The Chairman, Advisory Board of of OTL, Africa, Downstream Energy Week, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, says Energy sustainability is not just about preserving resources, but it is also building an industry that is competitive, responsible, and adaptable to a rapidly changing global environment.
Otunba Oyebanji stated this at the opening session of the 19th OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos.
Speaking on this year’s them, “Energy Sustainability: Growth Beyond Boundaries & Competition,” Oyebanji noted that Africa’s Opportunity and Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Africa stand at a defining moment in its energy evolution as the rising populations, industrialization, and urban expansion are driving energy demand at unprecedented rates.
“The theme for this year, he explained, is both timely and visionary, as It reflects the realities of today’s energy landscape, one defined by volatility, innovation, and transformation, that seek growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and without limits.
He said at the same time, investments in refining, gas infrastructure, and cross-border energy trade are reshaping the continent’s energy map.
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest energy producer and consumer, occupies a central position in this transformation.
According to him, the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, the renewed commitment to gas commercialization, and the focus on infrastructure development have laid a foundation for long-term growth. Yet, these gains must be deepened through sustained policy consistency, institutional stability, and innovation across the value chain.
“For Africa, and indeed Nigeria, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. As the world redefines its energy future, our continent, richly endowed with resources and youthful human capital, must position itself not just as a supplier of raw hydrocarbons, but as a hub for innovation, efficiency, and value addition. To truly achieve growth beyond boundaries, we must broaden our scope, integrating renewables, strengthening regional cooperation, and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. We must also continue to nurture human capacity, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped to sustain and expand the gains we have made,” the Chairman added..
Oyebanji noted that the downstream market has continued to evolve amid both turbulence and renewal, adding that the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the market have brought new realities, tough, but necessary steps toward a more competitive and efficient sector. Operators today face increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory complexity. Yet, we are also seeing unprecedented innovation, in logistics optimization, storage efficiency, digital trading platforms, and cleaner fuel distribution models.
“These developments are redefining competitiveness and signaling the^ emergence of a more resilient, forward-looking market. However, success in this evolving landscape depends on one crucial element, policy stability. Investors thrive on predictability. A stable regulatory environment, anchored in transparency and fairness, is essential to encourage long-term capital inflows and sustainable competition. The future of energy must be one that transcends boundaries, geographical, technological, and conceptual”
“As the lines blur between traditional hydrocarbons, renewables, and alternative energy sources, it becomes clear that the path to sustainability lies in integration rather than isolation. We must build systems that encourage innovation while safeguarding the environment. We must promote efficiency not just as an operational metric, but as a core philosophy. And we must ensure that growth extends beyond corporations and markets to touch lives, providing access, affordability, and reliability to the millions who still struggle with energy poverty. Competition will continue to play a vital role in this journey. But competition must be constructive, driven by innovation, fairness, and the shared goal of strengthening the sector. In this sense, collaboration becomes the new competition. Our capacity to grow beyond boundaries depends not only on how hard we compete, but also on how well we cooperate”.
“The Role of OTL Africa Downstream Energy WeekOver the past nineteen years, OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week has established itself as the continent’s most influential platform for policy dialogue, business networking, and industry development in the downstream energy value chain.” he said.
“Through the years, OTL has provided a consistent platform for engagement between government and private sector, fostering ideas that have shaped national and regional policies. It has created a space where regulators listen to industry, and industry, in turn, aligns with policy direction. This year’s program continues that tradition of excellence, featuring sessions that explore pressing topics such as market regulation, refining and trading dynamics, downstream financing, technological innovation, maritime logistics, environmental management, and the emerging role of renewables,” he concluded
