The Nigerian energy sector remains Africa’s most attractive destination for upstream investment, but unlocking its full potential will depend on policy stability, contract predictability, improved security, and a major overhaul of maritime logistics, according to Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, Lead Strategic Consultant at Acepontis Limited.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Ebhodaghe described Nigeria as a high-risk, high-reward environment, noting that investors are willing to commit long-term capital when risks are clearly understood and effectively managed.

He stressed that continuity in fiscal policies and sustained security improvements in the Niger Delta are critical to restoring confidence in the upstream oil and gas sector.

“For the upstream sector to thrive, stability is key,” he said, adding , “If we can guarantee the safety of assets and ensure the predictability of contracts, Nigeria remains the undisputed energy investment destination in Africa.”

Assessing recent reforms, Ebhodaghe acknowledged significant progress under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the maritime and energy sectors.

He cited Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, Category C, after 14 years, and the signing of six outstanding IMO instruments in late 2024 as evidence of renewed commitment to global compliance.

He also pointed to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) drive to reduce contracting cycles to six months, the aggressive implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and Nigeria’s removal from the global piracy “Red List” as positive signals to investors.

Despite these gains, Ebhodaghe warned that policy achievements at the international level must translate into improved operational realities within Nigeria’s ports and logistics hubs.

He identified port congestion, bureaucratic delays, and weak coordination among stakeholders as major bottlenecks affecting upstream operations.

“While we are making progress at the global level, operators in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Bonny still face daily challenges,” he said.

“When ports are congested, the movement of critical technical equipment to offshore fields is delayed, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. Ports must be treated as strategic gateways for energy security,” the researcher added.

He called for a data-driven approach that brings regulators, operators, and host communities together to streamline processes, automate cargo clearance, and improve transparency, ensuring that ease of doing business at home matches Nigeria’s improving global standing.

On the role of Acepontis Limited, Ebhodaghe said the firm is positioning itself as a strategic partner for International Oil Companies by combining strong local operational capacity with global best practices. He explained that the company’s approach blends industry-tested experience with modern, research-backed strategic frameworks to help investors navigate Nigeria’s complex upstream environment.

According to him, unlocking investment in Nigeria’s upstream sector will ultimately require aligning policy intent with operational execution, strengthening maritime logistics, and sustaining reforms that reassure investors of long-term stability.