Abuja: Dr Samuel Onoji, the Principal of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta, has advised African nations to be cautious in their approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The advice was delivered during a press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the institute’s 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, set for October 22 and 23 at the PTDF Towers in Abuja, will focus on the theme ‘Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance.’ Dr Onoji explained that this theme was chosen to address the interrelated issues of energy transition, sustainable development, and strengthening local content in Africa’s oil and gas industry. He emphasized the ongoing importance of fossil fuels, stating that the notion of phasing them out by 2050 or 2060 is unrealistic.
Dr Onoji highlighted that Africa possesses significant reserves of crude oil and natural gas, with estimates of 125 billion barrels of oil and over 600 trillion cubic feet of gas. He recommended a measured approach to the energy transition, focusing on research and development of local technologies to utilize these resources in an environmentally sustainable manner.
ICHST aims to gather scientists, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, students, and academics to discuss energy transition and share innovative research on hydrocarbons. The conference will cover the entire hydrocarbon value chain, including emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental management, and carbon capture technologies.
PTI, established by Act No. 37 of 1972, is committed to training technical and technological manpower for the oil and gas industry through quality instruction, research, and consultancy services. Dr Onoji noted that the institute is investing in local technologies for oil drilling, production, and refining, and is working on innovations in natural gas utilization and carbon capture to reduce emissions.
The PTI principal expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and other industry stakeholders for their support of the conference. He also commended the commitments of Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas).