The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has urged stronger global partnerships and increased investments to end energy poverty across Africa, positioning Nigeria as a central player in the continent’s energy transformation.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the call during an “Energy Talk” session at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025), one of the world’s largest and most influential energy gatherings.
Fielding questions from Pulitzer Prize-winning energy author Daniel Yergin, Engr. Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s expanding role as an anchor in Africa’s energy ecosystem.
He noted that NNPC Ltd was redefining its mandate beyond oil production to drive an inclusive, diversified, and sustainable energy economy. “Africa’s energy future must be built on pragmatism, partnerships, and purpose,” he said.
“At NNPC Limited, we are not just participating in the energy transition; we are shaping it from an African perspective.
“Our focus is pragmatic: grow production, monetize gas, deepen partnerships, and deliver value to Nigerians and global partners alike.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
Engr. Ojulari revealed that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian government has made significant strides in transforming the nation from an extractive economy into an investment-driven energy hub.
He disclosed that NNPC Limited has successfully increased Nigeria’s oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) and is targeting 2 million bpd by 2027, with long-term ambitions to reach 3 million bpd.
This growth trajectory, he explained, is anchored on “redefined relationships with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous producers, the removal of legacy blockers, and the alignment of interests to achieve shared value.”
The GCEO stressed that NNPC’s renewed partnerships are underpinned by transparent governance, modern technology deployment, and a focus on optimizing production efficiency across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with OPEC peers, African national oil companies (NOCs), and global financial institutions to attract between $30 billion and $60 billion in new energy investments by 2030.
“We are seeing growing investor confidence, driven by new fiscal incentives beyond the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which are now encouraging capital inflows for deep-water exploration, dry gas development, and operational cost reduction.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
Driving Infrastructure and Cleaner Energy Expansion
The NNPC chief spotlighted several high-profile projects reshaping Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, which is nearing completion, and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, both critical to strengthening gas transportation and domestic supply.
He also highlighted the government’s Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative and the expansion of autogas corridors as part of a broader agenda to deliver cleaner, more affordable energy for Nigerians.
“These projects demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner fuels while maximizing the value of our gas reserves.
“NNPC Limited is prioritizing gas monetization as a central strategy for driving industrialization and supporting regional energy trade.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
Ojulari noted that beyond hydrocarbons, NNPC is investing in renewables and energy innovation, ensuring that Nigeria’s participation in the global energy transition remains anchored in national development goals.
Echoing the opening remarks of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC, who emphasized the need for “pragmatic, not performative” energy policies, Engr. Ojulari reiterated that Africa’s pathway to sustainable energy must be anchored in realism, inclusivity, and investment.
“The energy transition must be inclusive, not at the expense of development. Africa contributes less than 3% of global emissions yet suffers disproportionately from energy poverty.
“We must balance decarbonization with development by investing in technologies that make energy accessible and affordable.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
He emphasized that while developed nations were moving toward renewable energy dominance, Africa’s immediate challenge remained ensuring universal access to reliable power.
As Africa seeks to unlock its full energy potential, Engr. Ojulari affirmed that Nigeria would continue to play a leadership role in driving cooperation across the continent’s energy value chain.
Through sustained reforms, investment attraction, and infrastructure modernization, NNPC Limited aims to ensure that energy becomes the engine of inclusive growth for Africa’s 1.4 billion people.
