WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of State will host the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue on September 11-12, marking a significant step in advancing energy cooperation between the two nations. The event, led by Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt, will bring together senior officials from both countries to explore energy security, decarbonization efforts, and strategies to accelerate the global energy transition.
Nigeria’s delegation will be led by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo. Discussions will center on key initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, increasing electricity access, and fostering public-private partnerships.
“This dialogue underscores our commitment to collaborating with Nigeria to address shared energy challenges and opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary Pyatt in a pre-event statement. “By working together, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit not only our countries but the global community.”
Among the topics to be discussed are the decarbonization of the oil and gas sector, enhancing Nigeria’s power generation and distribution, and exploring clean energy options such as small modular reactor technology. The dialogue is also expected to spotlight U.S. government programs such as Power Africa, USAID’s Gas Flare Program, and the Department of Energy’s Net Zero World initiative.
The U.S. delegation will include officials from the Bureau of African Affairs, USAID’s Power Africa, the Department of Energy, and other agencies, while the Nigerian side brings a robust group of policymakers eager to explore new avenues for cooperation.
“This dialogue is critical to shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy sector,” said Minister Ekpo. “We are committed to harnessing these discussions to bring about lasting energy security for our people.”
The talks will also feature a public-private session hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, aimed at deepening business partnerships and investments between American and Nigerian enterprises.
This dialogue follows a series of high-level bilateral engagements, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Nigeria in January 2024 and Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell’s meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in April.
Both sides hope that this dialogue will strengthen economic ties and contribute to the sustainable growth of the energy sectors in both nations. “Private sector collaboration is essential to achieving our shared goals,” Pyatt added, emphasizing the role of businesses in meeting the energy and climate objectives.
The U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue is expected to pave the way for continued engagement on pressing energy issues, with the goal of delivering shared prosperity for both countries.
