In a major shift from previous U.S. energy policies, the Donald Trump administration has criticized Western-imposed restrictions on African fossil fuel development, calling them “nonsensical, shameless, and a relic of colonial attitudes.”

The new policy direction comes as a relief to Nigeria, a resource-rich nation struggling to secure foreign investment for its oil and gas sector. Despite being home to vast natural resources, Nigeria has faced significant financing challenges, largely due to Western pressure to transition away from fossil fuels.

Speaking at the 10th annual “Powering Africa Summit” in Washington, D.C., U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signaled a dramatic departure from previous policies, assuring African leaders that the Trump administration will not dictate how the continent utilizes its resources.

“Africa has the right to harness its own wealth,” Wright said. “The West’s policies have been built on hypocrisy—telling African nations to abandon oil and gas while still relying on these resources themselves.”

This announcement marks a significant policy shift, particularly for Nigeria, where American energy giants ExxonMobil and Chevron hold major oil investments.

The global shift toward clean energy has hampered Nigeria’s ability to fully exploit its oil and gas reserves, as Western nations have pressured African countries to pivot toward renewable energy sources.

Declining demand for Nigeria’s primary exports
Investment drying up in new oil exploration and production
Stranded assets increasing, leaving valuable resources untapped

The last major foreign investment in Nigeria’s oil industry occurred over 13 years ago, as financing for fossil fuel projects became harder to secure due to climate-focused restrictions.

Despite Africa contributing less than 3% to global methane emissions, the U.S. and European nations have continued to urge African producers to slow down oil and gas production, prioritizing green energy initiatives instead.

With the Trump administration’s new stance, Nigeria and other resource-rich African nations could see a resurgence in foreign investment, easing financial constraints on energy development and reigniting oil exploration efforts.