Nigeria: Energy and Natural Resources

Climate litigation is evolving from an environmental concern into a material business risk. This article examines the landmark Greenpeace v. TotalEnergies decision and its implications for Nigeria's oil and gas industry, analyzing how existing Nigerian legal and regulatory frameworks may expose companies to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, and reputational risk where climate-related claims are not supported by operational realities.

The recognition that the national grid alone cannot solve the electricity supply needs of the entire country has continued to drive the reforms in the Nigeria electric power sector. With the amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, all barriers to decentralisation of electricity supply was removed.

Nigeria's Blue Economy holds the potential to generate over ₦3 trillion annually through strategic development of its 853-kilometer coastline, vast inland waterways, and maritime resources.

Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s most significant energy markets, with substantial natural resources, sophisticated financial ecosystems, and growing ambitions to lead the continent’s evolving energy economy. However, despite their strategic importance, the full potential for cross-border energy investment and collaboration between both jurisdictions remains largely untapped.

Nigeria and Ghana are entering a more disciplined execution phase in their energy and natural resources sectors, marked by firmer regulation, active project delivery, and clearer investment signals. Upstream activity is intensifying with over 300 firms competing for oil blocks, while gas pricing adjustments and power sector reforms point to coordinated efforts to stabilise markets and expand supply across both nations.

The Federal Government has introduced significant fiscal reforms in the mining sector with the enactment of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA) and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA). These new laws represent a definitive departure from the previous fiscal regime, which was primarily governed by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (the "Mining Act") and the Companies Income Tax Act, 1977 (as amended) (CITA).

Nigeria's 2025 Petroleum Licensing Round offers 50 oil blocks across onshore, shallow-water, frontier, and deep offshore areas. With pre-qualification complete, bidders must now navigate complex regulatory requirements, consortium structuring, and competitive bid strategies to secure acreage in one of Africa's most significant upstream opportunities.

Climate litigation is evolving from an environmental concern into a material business risk. This article examines the landmark Greenpeace v. TotalEnergies decision and its implications for Nigeria's oil and gas industry, analyzing how existing Nigerian legal and regulatory frameworks may expose companies to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, and reputational risk where climate-related claims are not supported by operational realities.

Nigeria's Free Trade Zone (FTZ) serves as a key mechanism for attracting investment, promoting industrialisation, and enhancing economic growth.

The recognition that the national grid alone cannot solve the electricity supply needs of the entire country has continued to drive the reforms in the Nigeria electric power sector. With the amendment of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, all barriers to decentralisation of electricity supply was removed.

Nigeria's Blue Economy holds the potential to generate over ₦3 trillion annually through strategic development of its 853-kilometer coastline, vast inland waterways, and maritime resources.

The global transportation sector is currently undergoing a phase change, navigated by the urgent dual imperatives of decarbonization and energy security.