The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) and newly appointed Chairman of Shell’s renewable energy impact fund, All On, Ronald Adams, has described Nigeria’s persistent energy deficit as a $200 billion investment opportunity waiting to be unlocked.
Adams, who made the remarks while addressing business leaders at the 2025 International Business Conference & Expo hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), stressed that Nigeria’s electricity gap, affecting over 80 million people should be viewed as a powerful incentive for both domestic and international capital inflow.
“The consequences of this deficit are profound: reduced productivity, limited access to education and healthcare, and a drag on the country’s overall economic potential,” Adams said.
Energy Deficit Could Drive Off-Grid Market Boom
Despite the challenges, Adams expressed optimism about Nigeria’s untapped clean energy market. He noted that the off-grid sector alone comprising solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking technologies holds an estimated $10–20 billion opportunity for forward-thinking investors.
“With the right investment environment, this gap can drive real market growth in clean energy and related sectors,” he said.
All On’s Impact So Far
Shell’s All On, launched in 2016 to accelerate access to renewable energy in Nigeria, has already made a notable impact:
- Over $40 million in investments committed
- 50+ ventures directly supported
- 1.2 million Nigerians reached with clean energy
- Operations in 190 underserved communities
Adams credited the initiative’s success to strong partnerships and urged further collaboration to scale impact beyond energy and into sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and financial services.
Praising Investment-Friendly Reforms
He also commended recent efforts by Nigerian state governments to attract foreign investment, particularly through platforms like Investopedia a digital initiative that maps out investment opportunities across all 36 states.
“We invite investors, both local and international, to seize the moment. Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape is ripe with opportunity. With the right partnerships, we can drive inclusive, sustainable growth for millions,” Adams concluded.
About the Author
