By Obiabin Onukwugha
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has stressed the urgency for Africa to accelerate its energy transition and secure its energy future.
The NNPCL Chief Executive Officer also reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to partnering with other African nations to achieve sustainable energy security across the continent.
A statement by Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd., Andy Odeh on Tuesday, said Ojulari made the submissions while addressing industry leaders at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum at Acra, Ghana.
Ojulari highlighted the decline of European investments in fossil fuel refineries, with most set to phase out by 2030, emphising that this development makes it imperative for Africa to take decisive action in harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people.
“Africa must take ownership of its resources and policies. Our policies should be designed by us. With our vast resource base and improved governance structures, I am confident the continent can secure its energy destiny,” Ojulari said.
The GCEO outlined strategic infrastructure projects spearheaded by NNPC Ltd., including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, which are designed to strengthen connectivity across Nigeria’s energy network.
He further emphasised progress on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which, he stated, will enhance regional integration and cross-border energy trade.
“When we started, we faced challenges with alignment, payments, and collaboration, but today the framework is working. The plan is to extend the pipeline to Côte d’Ivoire as the first phase, and ultimately to Morocco,” he said.
Ojulari highlighted that the enabling investment environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), continues to open new opportunities for investors across the oil and gas value chain.
The NNPC boss mentioned that through strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies, Nigeria has achieved 100% pipeline availability for the first time in two decades, “a milestone that has restored confidence in the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure.”
Benchmarking with global energy leaders such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, the GCEO reiterated NNPC Ltd.’s readiness to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive collective progress with African peers to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.