Vienna, Austria | July 11, 2025 — Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu, has called on global energy leaders to ensure fairness and inclusivity in energy transitions by prioritising gas as a vital resource for Africa’s development. Tinubu made the appeal while speaking at the OPEC International Seminar held in Vienna, where top energy stakeholders and policymakers gathered to deliberate on the future of global oil and energy.
In his address, Mr. Tinubu highlighted the urgent need for what he termed “energy justice,” arguing that Africa, while contributing the least to global emissions, faces the harshest restrictions in accessing energy financing. He stressed that the continent must be allowed to harness its vast natural gas reserves to drive industrialisation, energy access, and economic growth.
“Africa’s energy poverty is real. As we align with global decarbonisation goals, it is imperative that we recognise natural gas as a just transition fuel for the continent,” he said.
Tinubu further urged the global community to consider balanced policies that reflect the unique energy realities of developing nations. He noted that gas offers a cleaner, more affordable, and scalable alternative to coal and oil, making it a viable bridge fuel for countries striving to meet their climate obligations without derailing economic progress.
The Oando boss also called on multilateral financial institutions, development partners, and energy regulators to remove barriers preventing investment in gas infrastructure projects across Africa. He warned that without such interventions, the global energy transition would remain inequitable and hinder progress in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Tinubu’s remarks received wide acknowledgment among participants, resonating with growing calls for a differentiated approach to global climate policies — one that protects the developmental aspirations of emerging economies while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The 2025 edition of the OPEC International Seminar, themed “Energy Transitions: Charting a Path to a Sustainable Future”, brought together ministers from oil-producing nations, energy executives, and experts to shape a common agenda on the evolving dynamics of the oil and gas sector in a decarbonising world.
