Nigeria's ex-minister calls for regulatory certainty and clean energy financing to unlock energy investments

A former Nigerian minister and current chairman of Portland Gas Limited, Lai Mohammed, told the Oriental News Nigeria 2026 Conference that regulatory certainty, transparent policies, and competitive fiscal incentives are essential to attract capital for transforming Nigeria's energy sector. He stressed that decarbonisation is now an immediate priority, requiring carbon capture, cleaner fuels, and enabling regulatory reforms. The conference also featured Sahara Group's managing director, who argued carbon capture needs clear rules on carbon ownership, storage rights, and liability to scale. A Lagos Business School professor warned Nigeria must shape emerging climate reforms or be shaped by them, noting the country's net-zero by 2060 commitment. The Rural Electrification Agency's representative added that decarbonisation must connect energy, finance, and industry for inclusive growth.