The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has urged for stronger global partnerships and bold investments to eliminate energy poverty across Africa.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the call during the “Energy Talk” session at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025) in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Speaking with Pulitzer Prize-winning energy author Daniel Yergin, Engr. Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s energy landscape, describing NNPC Ltd as a “linchpin for energy sufficiency on the continent.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s vast oil, gas, and renewable energy resources position it as a key driver of Africa’s energy transformation, noting that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, efforts are being made to transition the country from an extractive economy to a diversified, investment-driven energy hub.
“Africa’s energy future must be built on pragmatism, partnerships, and purpose. At NNPC Limited, we are not just participating in the energy transition — we are shaping it from an African perspective,” Ojulari said. “Our focus is pragmatic: grow production, monetize gas, deepen partnerships, and deliver value to Nigerians and global partners alike.”
According to him, NNPC has successfully increased Nigeria’s oil output to 1.7 million barrels per day, with targets of 2 million barrels by 2027 and 3 million in the long term. He attributed this progress to improved collaboration with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous firms, the removal of legacy bottlenecks, and a renewed focus on shared value creation.
Engr. Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to attracting $30–$60 billion in new energy investments by 2030, working in partnership with OPEC members, African National Oil Companies (NOCs), and international financial institutions. He also noted that new government incentives beyond the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are already encouraging investment in deep-water exploration, dry gas development, and cost-efficient production.
Highlighting key national energy projects, Ojulari mentioned the near-completion of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas project, and initiatives promoting cleaner energy, such as the Presidential CNG Initiative and expansion of autogas corridors.
Echoing the remarks of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and CEO of ADNOC, who called for “pragmatic, not performative” energy policies, Ojulari stressed the need for inclusive investment in Africa’s energy future.
“Our message to the world is clear: Nigeria is open for business. NNPC Limited is fit for the future, and we invite the world to co-invest in Africa’s energy transformation,” he concluded.
NNPC Limited’s participation at ADIPEC 2025, themed “Energy. Intelligence. Impact”, underscores the company’s transformation into a commercially driven, globally competitive energy enterprise — one that is not only powering Nigeria but also contributing to shaping the future of energy across the African continent.