Mesagan made the recommendation during his inaugural lecture, titled “Making Lemonade from Lemons: The Fossil Energy and Sustainability Puzzle,” delivered on October 9, 2026. He argued that countries with substantial oil and gas resources should use part of their earnings to expand renewable energy, build green infrastructure and develop cleaner technologies rather than depend excessively on fossil fuels for economic growth.

According to the professor, oil-producing nations face the difficult task of benefiting economically from their natural resources while addressing the environmental damage associated with extracting and burning fossil fuels.

His position comes amid increasing international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, which seeks to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Nigeria has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, but oil and gas remain important to its economy. The country must therefore balance its dependence on petroleum revenue with the need to reduce emissions and develop alternative energy sources.

Oil exploration and production, particularly in the Niger Delta, have also raised longstanding concerns about pollution, environmental degradation and the effects on local communities, livelihoods and ecosystems.

Mesagan noted that global carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise despite international climate commitments. He argued that reducing dependence on fossil fuels while expanding renewable energy and cleaner industrial processes would be critical to achieving long-term climate goals.

He described fossil fuel wealth as a resource that could be turned into an opportunity for sustainability if governments invested strategically in technology, innovation and effective environmental policies.

The professor urged Nigeria and other oil-rich developing countries to allocate part of their petroleum earnings to building local capacity in renewable energy and green infrastructure. He said developing domestic expertise would reduce excessive dependence on foreign technology and strengthen their ability to manage the energy transition.

He also advocated greater investment in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, a group of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide from industrial processes for storage or use. He said such solutions could help reduce emissions from industries that remain difficult to decarbonise.

Mesagan encouraged existing and proposed refineries in Nigeria to consider adopting carbon-capture technologies as part of efforts to limit their environmental impact.

He further expressed optimism about the potential for the African Energy Bank, established by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, to work with the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative to support the development of carbon trading across the continent.

Beyond carbon capture, the academic called for a more diversified energy mix, including increased investment in solar, wind and hydropower. He said stronger environmental regulations, effective pollution controls, sound governance and appropriate carbon-pricing policies would also be necessary to ensure that investments deliver meaningful results.

Mesagan identified climate finance, access to clean energy and the vulnerability of African countries to climate change as areas requiring further research. He also highlighted the need to examine how carbon markets, energy storage and renewable power could support emerging industries, including the energy demands of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

He called for closer cooperation among policymakers, engineers, economists and environmental scientists to develop practical solutions that allow resource-rich countries to benefit from their oil and gas assets while limiting environmental harm.

The professor’s recommendations underscore the need for Nigeria to treat its fossil fuel revenues not only as a source of immediate income but also as potential financing for a more diversified and sustainable energy future.