By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has met with Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, and African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) Secretary-General, Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, to review the last outstanding items to finalise the launch of the African Energy Bank (AEB).
At a high-level meeting in Abuja, Lokpobiri confirmed that all critical milestones, legal incorporation, governance architecture and capital-raising plans are either completed or firmly on track.
“The AEB will be a game-changer for financing African energy projects,” he said, thanking President Bola Tinubu for unwavering support in positioning Nigeria as host country and anchor shareholder.
Prof. Oramah said Afreximbank is ready to leverage its balance sheet and structuring expertise so the new bank opens with the bulk and credibility necessary to draw in global co-investors. Capital mobilisation talks added that the bank has already secured strong pledges from member states and private institutional investors.
Also, APPO’s Secretary-General, Dr Ibrahim, praised Nigeria’s pace and coordination. “Today’s session showed a common resolve to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for Africans,” he said.
The parties pledged full transparency through the final preparatory steps.
“Our collective focus is to deliver a bank that catalyses investment, accelerates energy security and drives inclusive growth across the continent,” Lokpobiri said.
While briefing the press, the parties confirmed that a definitive launch timeline and inaugural board meeting date has been fixed and are expected to be announced shortly.
