By Boris Esono Nwenfor & Ajong Mbapndah L
The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC) NJ Ayuk has in a valiant and adamant stance, publicly announced his decision to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit scheduled to take place in London from May 13–15, 2025. His reason: a lack of Black African representation within the organizing body and among summit speakers.
“I am absolutely NOT supporting or going to the Africa Energies Summit,” Ayuk wrote in a viral social media post. “I know some of you will be mad, but my position is consistent. I don’t patronize or speak at events that refuse to hire or support Black Africans.”
The summit, often touted as “Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference,” is seen as a marquee event where stakeholders from across the global oil and gas industry converge to discuss investment, development, and policy trends. But Ayuk is pushing back against what he describes as the systemic exclusion of Africans in the very conversations that affect their continent’s energy future.
“These guys are scared and nervous around Africans,” Ayuk stated. “Don’t spend your money where you can’t work. I am not going to speak at a place where other Blacks can’t work. I just can’t. I can’t do it. This is 2025.”
A Fight for Local Content and Dignity
NJ Ayuk’s message wasn’t simply an individual protest – it is a call to action. At the heart of his statement lies a demand for meaningful local content, equity, and representation. Local content, as defined by Ayuk and the African Energy Chamber, is more than a policy guideline; it is an expression of dignity and ownership for Africans within a sector that has long exploited their resources while marginalizing their people.
“We are a new generation of Africans,” he said. “We must ensure that Africans are respected in this oil sector that I love so much.”
Ayuk challenged organizers and stakeholders directly: “Name one Black employee at this organization or AES besides the cleaning lady or tea lady. I am not lonely. I am happy to stand for something rather than be another lost soul.”
The blunt remark accentuated what many Africans have long experienced: the tokenism, gatekeeping, and superficial inclusion in international spaces that claim to advocate for African development.
Wide Support Pours In
Ayuk’s statement posted on his social media handles has triggered a wave of reactions, with energy professionals and ordinary voices rallying behind him. “This is a solid position to hold, NJ Ayuk JD, MBA,” said Cyrus Ademola, an energy sector expert under Ayuk’s post on LinkedIn. “It’s quite concerning to see a group of non-Africans speak authoritatively on behalf of Africa – especially on something as indigenously complex and nuanced as the oil and gas sector.”
Many echoed that the time has come for Africa to stop being spoken about and start speaking for itself. “Africa can only rise when we intentionally own our future and value what we have,” said another supporter online. “As Africans, we can chart our future – and the time is now.”
Support was not limited to African voices. Steve Hill, CEO of AIMS LLC, offered solidarity: “I understand and support your position; the discrimination and bias do not start or end with Black Africans only.”
“Fully support your stance, Those days are over,” Energy Writer Terry Etam said in support of Ayuk’s decision.
“It’s quite concerning to see a group of non-Africans speak authoritatively on behalf of Africa—especially on something as indigenously complex and nuanced as the oil and gas sector,” says Cyrus Ademola, an Energy professional.
“I have never understood how an event about oil and gas in Africa is even being held in London…
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Another commenter emphasized the broader significance of Ayuk’s stance: “Excellent way to lay the foundation to project a strong sense of self-respect and the dignity of our being for the benefit of those coming behind. This is why Ibrahim Traoré should not be made to wage this struggle alone. The solidarity must be total across all sectors and professions.”
Faced with the backlash , another commentator observed that the original promo flyer of the event had been altered by the organizers to show a more diversified look.
Future of African Leadership in Energy
Despite decades of calls for diversity and inclusion, many international events and corporations operating in Africa continue to sideline African professionals, especially in strategic decision-making roles.
The controversy surrounding the Africa Energies Summit illustrates how performative inclusion often masks systemic exclusion. While African countries are central to the global oil and gas value chain, from exploration to export, African voices remain peripheral in high-level industry discussions. The result is a disempowered continent that is resource-rich but policy-poor.
Under Ayuk’s leadership, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has championed policies promoting local workforce participation, capacity building, and inclusive financing. The AEC’s position is rooted in the reality of Africa’s energy poverty.
Nearly one billion Africans lack access to clean cooking fuels, and another 600 million—mostly in sub-Saharan regions—have no access to electricity. This harsh truth underscores the chamber’s commitment to pushing for oil and gas exploration across Africa.
In a time when public figures often bow to pressure or choose comfort over conviction, NJ Ayuk’s decision is being viewed by many as a principled stand—and a wake-up call. In declining to attend the Africa Energies Summit, Ayuk has drawn a line – either include Africa meaningfully or count him and many others out.
