Amb Nicholas Ella at the executive board meeting of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on Tuesday.
By Felix Khanoba
Member countries of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) have been called upon to fulfill their financial commitments to launch the Africa Energy Bank, set to be based in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
APPO Secretary General Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim emphasized the need for oil-producing member countries to contribute their subscription fees of $83 million to ensure the bank’s operational start by September 2024.
Dr. Ibrahim made this appeal during the 18th ordinary meeting of the APPO executive board in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where APPO’s headquarters are located.
Leading Nigeria’s delegation to the executive board meeting was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Ella.
In a statement released by Amb. Ella, on Wednesday, Dr. Ibrahim reaffirmed the APPO council of ministers’ resolution to confer the hosting rights of the Africa Energy Bank on Nigeria.
“We are aligned with the resolutions of the APPO council of ministers from last week. We will double our efforts to ensure we gather the necessary funds to initiate the Africa Energy Bank,” stated Dr. Ibrahim.
He further disclosed that the oil-producing member countries had formally written to the Nigerian government to discuss expedited steps to establish the bank.
“On Friday, July 5, we formally wrote to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will discuss how quickly the bank building will be ready and the host country agreement prepared for signature. We already have one member country that has signed the establishment agreement; we need one more signature to proceed,” Dr. Ibrahim added.
Expressing President Bola Tinubu’s gratitude to member states for their unwavering support and confidence in Nigeria’s bid to host the Africa Energy Bank, Amb. Ella reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the continental bloc’s ideals to enhance energy security in Africa.
“The gathering of the 18-member countries of APPO in Brazzaville demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering unity, cooperation, and sustainable development within the African energy sector,” noted Amb. Ella.
He pledged Nigeria’s determination to collaborate with other members to address the financial needs of Africa’s energy sector through funding oil and gas projects. Amb. Ella urged member countries to “harness the collective strength of our nations to build a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.”
“Together, we will create an institution that addresses the financial needs of our energy projects and champions sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusivity across Africa,” he added.
During a brainstorming session on the continent’s energy future, Algerian executive board member Remini Amine emphasized that local content, manpower, and infrastructure development are key to unlocking Africa’s energy opportunities.
APPO member state representatives agreed that the Africa Energy Bank would bridge funding gaps in the sector. Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, former Nigerian Minister of State Petroleum Resources, suggested a ten-year plan for the energy industry to encourage an “open era” for investment.
Dr. Kachikwu advised APPO to grow the energy bank’s capital base before investing.
Speakers at the week-long event emphasized the need for national oil companies (NOCs) to lead in crude oil production and refine oil to meet local consumption needs.
The Africa Energy Bank is an initiative of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation and Afreximbank.
