Nigeria: Energy and Natural Resources

The second quarter of 2026 witnessed significant geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that disrupted global oil supply routes and triggered volatility in international crude prices. These developments had direct impacts on Nigeria's downstream petroleum market, with Dangote Petroleum Refinery making multiple price adjustments throughout the period as Brent prices fluctuated.

This sector news update from Advocaat Law Practice examines key developments and regulatory changes affecting Nigeria's energy and infrastructure landscape in July 2026.

The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 ("PIA") has fundamentally restructured Nigeria's upstream petroleum licensing framework. Among other reforms, it replaced the previous licensing regime of the Petroleum Act (PA) and changed the licence type nomenclature with the introduction of the Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL), Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL), and Petroleum Mining Lease (PML).

Ghana and Nigeria are witnessing a transformative period in their energy and natural resources sectors, marked by major capital investments, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure development. From petroleum hub agreements and seismic exploration to utility-scale solar projects and mining law amendments, both nations are strategically positioning themselves to convert resource endowment into sustained industrial capacity.

The Nigerian Mining Industry is positioning itself as a key driver of economic diversification through strategic reforms and partnerships. The Federal Government's Seven-Point Agenda...

Nigeria's solid minerals sector has achieved significant revenue growth and begun developing domestic processing capacity, yet faces critical challenges in converting ambitious policy frameworks into operational infrastructure. With the 2016 Mining Roadmap concluded and new fiscal reforms in place, the sector must now demonstrate whether it can bridge the gap between policy ambition and industrial execution while addressing persistent issues like illegal mining and regulatory implementation.

Ghana and Nigeria are witnessing a transformative period in their energy and natural resources sectors, marked by major capital investments, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure development. From petroleum hub agreements and seismic exploration to utility-scale solar projects and mining law amendments, both nations are strategically positioning themselves to convert resource endowment into sustained industrial capacity.

The second quarter of 2026 witnessed significant geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that disrupted global oil supply routes and triggered volatility in international crude prices. These developments had direct impacts on Nigeria's downstream petroleum market, with Dangote Petroleum Refinery making multiple price adjustments throughout the period as Brent prices fluctuated.

Nigeria's power sector sees significant regulatory developments as NERC issues new guidelines for technical audits of transmission infrastructure, publishes a directory of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to support the transition to state-level regulation, and the Minister of Power establishes an inter-agency committee to facilitate electricity market decentralisation under the Electricity Act 2023.

Ghana and Nigeria are witnessing a transformative period in their energy and natural resources sectors, marked by major capital investments, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure development. From petroleum hub agreements and seismic exploration to utility-scale solar projects and mining law amendments, both nations are strategically positioning themselves to convert resource endowment into sustained industrial capacity.

This piece is angled from the position that platforms for cooperation & collaboration already exist for resilience sustainability in facing climate challenges for Africa. The mission is therefore to highlight some hidden pillars that need three “As”- Activation, Advocacy and Action.

This digest examines major energy and natural resources developments across Ghana and Nigeria, covering upstream exploration, gas infrastructure expansion, refinery capacity growth, and mining sector activity. The analysis tracks investment flows, infrastructure projects, and policy initiatives shaping energy security and industrial development in both West African markets.