Nigeria has successfully secured the bid to host the headquarters of the newly established $5 billion African Energy Bank (AEB) in its capital city, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the State Minister for Petroleum Resources (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, on Thursday via his official X account.
Lokpobiri said that the bank would play a crucial role in financing and advancing energy projects across Africa, promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
Nigeria emerged as the preferred host nation amid competition from Ghana, Benin, Algeria, South Africa, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Lokpobiri assured Nigerians and Africans, that the establishment of the AEB would mark a transformative era in meeting energy needs.
“I am delighted to share that Nigeria has been selected to host the headquarters of the African Energy Bank! This prestigious honour is a testament to our country’s leadership and commitment to the energy sector.
“As the Minister for Petroleum Resources[Oil], I am incredibly proud of this achievement. The African Energy Bank will be a cornerstone for financing and advancing energy projects across Africa, promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
“This is a remarkable victory for Nigeria and the entire African continent.
“It symbolizes our collective efforts to harness and develop our rich energy resources for a brighter, more sustainable future,” Lokpobiri said.
Backstory
Nairametrics had earlier reported the federal government through its petroleum ministry was bidding to host the headquarters of the newly established $5 billion Africa Energy Bank (AEB) in Abuja, the federal capital territory.
The campaign for the headquarters to be in Abuja was led by heads of ministries of petroleum resources to the 18 countries members of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO).
According to Lokpobiri, Nigeria is the leading country when it comes to the oil and gas sector, with an oil reserves of over 37 billion barrels.
He said these factors position Nigeria to be a suitable location for the financing institution in the country. (Nairametrics)
