Wale Tinubu joins global energy leaders at OPEC high-level roundtable

Wale Tinubu, the group chief executive of Oando Plc, a leading indigenous energy solutions provider, has been invited to join an exclusive high-level roundtable session at the prestigious OPEC International Seminar.

His participation underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global energy discussions and highlights the critical role of African voices in shaping a sustainable and equitable energy future.

Tinubu is slated to speak at “High-Level Roundtable 2: Policies and Regulations – A Just and Realistic Energy Future” on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 15:10 to 16:00.

He will share the stage with an illustrious panel of global energy thought leaders, including HE Pedro Miras, president of WPC Energy; Fahad Alajlan, president of KAPSARC; Adrian Binks, Chairman & CEO of Argus Media; Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum; Rovshan Najaf, President of SOCAR; and Amrita Sen, Founder & Director of Research, Energy Aspects.

This carefully selected panel reflects a cross-section of public and private sector leaders who will delve into the realities of climate targets, the geopolitics of regulation, and the evolving role of oil and gas in global development agendas.

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A Platform of Global Significance

The OPEC International Seminar is widely regarded as one of the most significant events on the energy industry calendar. Since its inception in 2001, the biennial seminar has evolved into a platform for high-level dialogue, bringing together Ministers from OPEC and non-OPEC nations, heads of major energy companies, international institutions, academics, and media to address the most pressing issues shaping the sector.

From its modest origins, with early seminars such as the inaugural 1969 edition drawing 200 participants, the event has grown exponentially. The 2023 edition attracted over 1,000 participants, including 17 Ministers, 18 CEOs, and 13 heads of global organisations, reflecting the increasing complexity and urgency of energy challenges worldwide.

This year’s seminar comes at a critical juncture for the global energy landscape. With climate imperatives pushing aggressive net-zero goals and the Global South urging a more equitable energy transition, the theme of “A Just and Realistic Energy Future” could not be more relevant.

Tinubu: A strong voice for energy equity

Tinubu’s invitation to the high-level session underscores his growing international influence as an advocate for sustainable and equitable energy development in Africa. As the head of Oando PLC, Tinubu has long championed the need for policies that reflect both environmental responsibilities and economic realities in emerging markets.

Under his leadership, Oando has pushed forward initiatives in natural gas commercialisation, carbon reduction, and strategic partnerships aimed at transitioning Nigeria and other African nations into more diversified and resilient energy economies.

“The narrative of energy transition must include energy access, job creation, and industrial development for developing nations. We must move forward, but we must do so together, and no one must be left behind,” Tinubu said at a recent energy forum.

His contributions at the OPEC roundtable are expected to reinforce the idea that climate goals must be harmonised with development goals, especially for countries that continue to depend on hydrocarbon revenues to fund public services and build infrastructure.

Policies, Not Politics

The session Tinubu will participate in is expected to address the intersection of regulatory frameworks, global energy security, and technological innovation. With diverse representation from industry, government, and think tanks, the panel will explore how energy policies can be structured to ensure a just transition — one that acknowledges regional disparities in energy use, access, and affordability.

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The inclusion of voices like Fahad Alajlan of KAPSARC and Adrian Binks of Argus Media ensures that data-driven policy analysis and market dynamics will shape the discussion. Meanwhile, the perspectives of national oil companies such as SOCAR and Crescent Petroleum will highlight the operational realities of oil-producing nations as they navigate tightening emissions targets and investor pressure.

Dr. Amrita Sen’s presence will add a critical research-driven angle, focusing on energy forecasting and the global supply-demand matrix, particularly in a post-COVID, geopolitically tense world.

Africa at the Table

For Africa, and Nigeria in particular, the significance of Tinubu’s presence on this global platform cannot be overstated. As developed nations push to phase out fossil fuels, there is a growing call for developing economies to be granted more time and resources to adapt. This includes financial support, technology transfer, and policy flexibility.

Tinubu’s arguments are likely to echo those of other African leaders who insist that energy security and climate action must not be mutually exclusive. “For Africa, the energy future must be both just and realistic, not just in theory but in practice,” he has said.

As Nigeria implements its Energy Transition Plan and prepares for a more gas-led economy, engagements at platforms like the OPEC seminar offer vital opportunities to shape global perception and policy in a way that safeguards Africa’s development trajectory.