Nigeria’s oil and gas industry’s $25 billion yearly financing gap has created opportunities for stronger partnerships between Nigeria and the United States across strategic sectors, including energy, agriculture, and mining.

This was highlighted at a roundtable organised by ProvidusUnity Bank, in partnership with the United States (U.S.)-based Regions Bank, in Lagos.

Both institutions noted that by deepening collaboration in these areas, the two countries can mobilise capital more efficiently, unlock greater private investment, and accelerate
Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Head of Global Trade and Structured Finance at ProvidusUnity Bank and convener of the roundtable, Dr Biodun Ariyo, said the initiative was designed to deepen conversations around financing, trade facilitation, and investment within Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to him, beyond deepening meaningful dialogue, the platform seeks to connect industry stakeholders with the right financing partners and structures required to accelerate growth across the oil and gas value chain.

He said Nigeria’s oil and gas industry faces an estimated yearly financing gap of approximately $25 billion, making collaboration between local and international financial institutions increasingly important.

Executive Director for International Trade Finance, Regions Bank, Thomas Matthias, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to expanding its presence in Africa through strategic partnerships with credible local financial institutions.

“Africa has been overlooked for far too long, and that must change. Our experience financing transactions in Nigeria has given us the confidence to deepen our engagement in the market,” he said.

He said Nigeria is well-positioned to play a much larger role in Africa’s energy future, noting that the bank is committed to partnering with ProvidusUnity Bank to unlock that potential.

Matthias noted that evolving global energy dynamics present significant opportunities for Nigeria to increase production, attract investment and strengthen its position as a leading energy producer on the continent.

A key highlight of the roundtable was a panel discussion examining innovative financing structures to accelerate investment across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.

The panel discussions focused on the role of insurance in mitigating risks associated with cross-border transactions, financing models for marginal and idle assets, strategies for gas monetisation and the importance of long-term liquidity in supporting capital-intensive energy projects.

Participants also explored opportunities to identify more bankable projects in Nigeria and across Africa by leveraging the combined capabilities of both banks to provide tailored financing solutions for operators throughout the energy ecosystem.