Oando Pushes Gas-to-Power Agenda in Strategic Meeting with Power Minister

Oando Energy Resources (OER), the upstream subsidiary of Oando PLC, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power strategy following a high-level meeting with the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe.

The courtesy visit focused on expanding the use of Nigeria’s domestic gas resources to improve electricity generation and drive economic growth, as both government and private sector stakeholders seek lasting solutions to the country’s energy challenges.

During the meeting, OER Managing Director, Dr. Ainojie “Alex” Irune, highlighted the company’s growing gas portfolio and its contribution to Nigeria’s electricity supply through the Okpai Independent Power Plant.

According to Irune, the Okpai facility currently supplies electricity to an estimated 50 million Nigerians and contributes roughly 15 percent of the country’s power generation. He noted that the plant has maintained a strong record of reliable operations over the years and remains a key part of the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Irune emphasized that expanding domestic gas production is essential for Nigeria’s economic transformation, arguing that increased investment in power infrastructure and energy security will be critical to supporting industrialization and long-term growth.

He also outlined the activities of Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the company’s renewable energy division, which is exploring ways to combine gas with renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to deliver more reliable and affordable electricity across Africa.

Among the innovative projects discussed was a pilot initiative aimed at converting abandoned oil wells within Oando’s joint venture assets into geothermal-style power generation sites, a move the company believes could unlock new sources of clean energy using existing infrastructure.

In his remarks, Minister Tegbe described the engagement as an important step toward strengthening collaboration between the government and private investors in the power sector.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding gas-to-power projects as a key pillar of Nigeria’s industrial development strategy, while also acknowledging the important role that hydropower and solar energy will continue to play in the country’s energy mix.

The minister further stressed the need for stronger collaboration in skills development and knowledge transfer to equip public sector institutions with the expertise required to successfully implement major energy projects.

Both parties expressed optimism that closer cooperation between government and industry will accelerate reforms, improve electricity supply, and support Nigeria’s broader economic development goals.