Nigeria is positioning itself at the centre of Africa’s energy transformation as the country intensifies efforts to harness its vast natural gas resources to drive industrial growth, expand energy access, and contribute to global stability.
This vision was articulated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, during his address at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ojulari described Nigeria as an emerging global energy powerhouse with a responsibility that extends beyond its borders.
“As an emerging global energy powerhouse, Nigeria has the responsibility to utilise its abundant gas resources to power Africa’s rise and contribute meaningfully to global stability.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
Ojulari stressed that natural gas occupies a central role in Nigeria’s economic and energy strategy, describing it as both a development tool and a transition fuel. According to him, the country’s long-term prosperity depends on how effectively it leverages its energy endowment, particularly gas.
“Nigeria’s pathway to a prosperous future lies in our collective ability to leverage our resource abundance, especially as gas sits at the heart of our strategy.
“It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialization, and our foundation for export-led growth.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
He noted that gas provides a realistic and pragmatic route for Nigeria and Africa to pursue economic development while responding to global calls for cleaner energy systems.
Africa’s Energy Trilemma
The NNPC Ltd boss also drew attention to what he described as Africa’s energy trilemma: accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. Despite being richly endowed with energy resources, the continent continues to face deep structural challenges in delivering power to its people.
Ojulari highlighted that more than 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity, a situation he said requires solutions tailored to Africa’s realities rather than imported models.
“Ours must be a just, equitable, people-centered energy additions, one that lifts our people out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unleashes the creativity of Africa’s youth.”
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd
Backing Nigeria’s leadership ambitions with data, Ojulari disclosed that the country holds about 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. He said this resource base places Nigeria and NNPC Ltd in a strong position to reshape Africa’s energy narrative.
According to him, Nigeria Set to Utilise Gas is not merely a slogan but a strategic direction that aligns energy development with social and economic progress across the continent. “NNPC Ltd is not just a commercial entity,” Ojulari said. “We are also a peace and prosperity enabler.”
Infrastructure Driving the Gas Vision
To translate policy into action, Ojulari outlined concrete steps being taken by NNPC Ltd to expand gas access and stimulate industrialization. Central to these efforts is the newly launched Gas Masterplan, designed to unlock domestic gas utilisation while strengthening Nigeria’s export potential.
He also pointed to major infrastructure projects currently under development, including the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the expansion of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS).
“These projects are more than pipelines,” he explained. “They are highways for economic opportunity.”
According to him, the infrastructure will support power generation, manufacturing, fertilizer production, and cleaner cooking solutions, while also attracting investment and creating jobs across the value chain.
Ojulari concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s gas-led strategy offers a balanced approach to energy transition, one that addresses development needs while gradually reducing emissions.
He said the country’s approach demonstrates that energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility can progress together.
As Nigeria Set to Utilise Gas gains momentum, the message from the summit was clear: gas will remain the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial future and a catalyst for Africa’s broader energy transformation.
READ ALSO: Historic Visit Signals New Era for Ashaiman Livestock Market
