By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Training Instituted (PTI), Efurrun, Delta State, Engr. Samuel Onoji, has warned that the global shift toward clean energy should not translate to neglect of Africa’s comparative advantage in hydrocarbons.
According to him, Africa remains richly endowed with about 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, positing that rather than phasing out fossil fuels in haste, the continent must invest in research, innovation, and cleaner production technologies.
Onoji, made the submissions at a world press conference ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology scheduled for October 22–23, 2025, at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District, in Abuja on Monday.
He said: “With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600tcf of natural gas reserves in Africa, it is our considered opinion that Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should strive to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilisation of our oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner as the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.
“Today, we are confronted with the stark reality that only a few African countries have been able to master certain aspects of oil production technology and fabricate key machinery for the industry. Thus, this conference intends to focus on research in these key areas to develop local content capacity in oil technology,” he said.
The PTI Principal/CEO revealed that the Institute is developing an adaptable modular refinery as part of efforts to deepen local refining capacity and boost Nigeria’s self-reliance in oil and gas technology.
He said the institute is working with industry partners to develop homegrown technologies capable of driving oil exploration, drilling, and refining in Nigeria, adding that the modular refinery project formed part of PTI’s broader drive to bridge technological gaps and position Africa to sustainably manage its abundant hydrocarbon resources amid the global energy transition.
“The Petroleum Training Institute, in partnership with some other organisations, are also working very hard to develop local technology that will help us expand crude production, because the oil exploration is simple. We talk of oil exploration, we talk of drilling, we speak of production, we talk of processing. We have mastered this area,” he said.
Onoji disclosed that the biennial conference, which has the theme: “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance,” will feature keynote addresses from the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), chief executives of industry regulators, and other leading experts and bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, academia, and international development partners.
He said the Technical papers would cover subjects such as exploration, decommissioning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, adding that the event will also nurture the next generation of energy professionals, providing a platform for students and young researchers to share ideas and build competencies for the future of work in the oil and gas industry.
Onoji reaffirmed PTI’s vision to become Africa’s leading oil and gas technology institute through innovation, research, and strong industry partnerships.
Also speaking, PTI’s Director of Research and Development, Tina Isichei, said the idea that fossil fuels would be completely phased out by 2050 or 2060 is unrealistic.
“Fossil fuels are not just about gasoline or diesel; they are essential feedstock for several industries, including pharmaceuticals. What we must do is reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices,” she stated.