The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Abuja on Monday said Africa’s estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves risk being stranded if the continent fails to pursue sustainable and technology-driven exploration that aligns with global environmental standards.

Speaking at a world press conference ahead of the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2025), PTI Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Samuel Onoji, said the continent must balance its vast hydrocarbon potential with the realities of the global energy transition.

The conference, scheduled to begin tomorrow, is themed “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance.”

Coming at a time when investment remained low and cost of oil production has been high in Nigeria and other African countries, Onoji noted that the conference would gather leading voices from government, academia, and industry to discuss the future of oil and gas in a decarbonising world.

Onoji noted that while the global focus is shifting towards renewable and cleaner energy, fossil fuels will continue to play a key role in Africa’s economic development for decades.

He said the continent must therefore deepen research and technological innovation to ensure cleaner and more efficient exploitation of its hydrocarbon resources.

“Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuels but rather invest in local research and technology that make exploration and utilisation more environmentally friendly,” he stated.

According to him, global demand for fossil energy is projected to persist for at least the next 50 years.

He said PTI is mandated to train skilled personnel for the petroleum industry, conduct research in oil technology, and organise seminars and conferences to strengthen technical capacity.

The institute, he said, remains committed to producing competent manpower through quality training, research, and consultancy services, adding that the biennial conference was designed to bring together scientists, regulators, and industry leaders to shape policies for sustainable growth.

Onoji disclosed that the 2025 edition will feature keynote addresses from both Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), as well as chief executives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).