“Nigeria committed to optimizing oil, gas resources through sustainable practices…as filling stations now run facilities on solar” – Oyebanji, Chairman OTL Africa Advisory Board
Akabogu, OTL Downstream CEO, confirms return of Founders’ Fireside Forum, plans delegates’ visit to Dangote refinery
Oredola Adeola
Discussions by key players across the downstream energy value chain at the 19th edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos will focus on sustainability, carbon capture, competition, and cost-saving strategies as the industry adapts to Nigeria’s full deregulation regime.
Otunba Tunji Oyebanji, Chairman of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week Advisory Board, made this known during a press parley on OTL 2025 held on Friday in Lagos.
Oyebanji, who is also the MD/CEO of 11PLC, said, “We are seeing a shift across the industry, even filling stations are increasingly deploying solar panels to reduce operating costs and limit diesel consumption.
He noted that with deregulation now in full effect, conversations around sustainability, carbon management, and energy transition have intensified, creating new opportunities for innovation within Nigeria’s downstream space.
The deregulated market, which we valiantly advocated for many years, is now upon us, and all interested parties are still trying to achieve balance and equilibrium in the new regime.
According to him, Nigeria is committed to fully optimizing its crude oil and gas resources while ensuring that all operations are carried out in a sustainable manner.
Oyebanji added that operators are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint, ensuring that business practices align with sustainability goals.
“On the issue of energy security, he stressed that it remains a top priority for the sector as it navigates the evolving energy landscape,” the Chairman of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week Advisory Board said.
He also stated that transparency and data reliability will be key focus areas at the 2025 edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week.
According to him, improving transparency remains critical to the growth of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, and that “many people still do not fully understand how the industry operates.”
“Nigeria would benefit from a dedicated government agency mandated to determine the nation’s true fuel consumption, refinery output, and total depot capacity.
“This would allow for informed commercial and investment decisions and provide a basis for accurate fact-checking,” he noted.
Oyebanji further explained that the 2025 edition, with the theme, “Energy Sustainability – Growth Beyond Boundaries and Competition,” will focus on navigating the realities of a deregulated market and promoting balance within the evolving downstream landscape.
“The event will feature high-level engagements, including ministerial and regulator panels from five West African countries, alongside over 60 speakers across 10 sessions addressing investment, finance, technology, and corporate realignment.
“Delegates will also explore innovations and partnerships at the OTL Trade Exhibition, with focus areas spanning refining, trading, logistics, LPG, lubricants, petrochemicals, and energy transition,” he stated.
Oyebanji further explained that the OTL downstream week has also been curated to offer memorable visits to production hubs, including the Dangote Refinery Complex.
He added that other exciting highlights include a range of networking sessions, receptions, and social events that promise to give international and local visitors an unforgettable experience of Lagos.
Joyce Akabogu, Chief Executive Officer of OTL Downstream Development in Africa Ltd./Gte, confirmed that the Founders’ Fireside Forum, which debuted in 2024, will make a return at this year’s Downstream Energy Week.
She noted that the event continues to lead the conversation in shaping the sector’s agenda, driving business growth, and promoting operational excellence.
Akabogu expressed confidence in an exciting and impactful week ahead, emphasizing that the forum will once again bring together Lagosians, Nigerians, and international participants for insightful discussions, networking, and meaningful business engagements.
