The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has renewed its call for bold global partnerships and investments aimed at ending energy poverty across Africa, urging a shift from rhetoric to pragmatic collaboration in tackling the continent’s energy challenges.
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the call during an Energy Talk session at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025) in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Fielding questions from Pulitzer Prize-winning energy author Daniel Yergin, Ojulari described Nigeria as a pivotal player in Africa’s energy landscape, emphasizing that NNPC Ltd stands at the center of Africa’s drive for energy sufficiency.
“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.”
Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s vast oil, gas, and renewable energy potentials, noting that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the country is implementing a comprehensive strategy to transition from an extractive to an investment-driven energy economy.
He disclosed that NNPC Ltd has successfully increased oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day, with projections to reach 2 million barrels by 2027 and 3 million barrels in the long term, adding that the company has resolved long-standing disputes with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and independent producers to unlock new investment opportunities.
“Our growth trajectory is driven by redefining relationships with our partners, removing legacy blockers, and aligning on shared value,” he stated.
The NNPC chief reaffirmed the company’s goal of securing between $30 billion and $60 billion in fresh investments by 2030, working in collaboration with OPEC peers, African National Oil Companies (NOCs), and global financial institutions.
He added that new government incentives beyond the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are already yielding results, especially in deep-water exploration, dry gas development, and cost optimization.
Ojulari spotlighted major national energy projects, including:
- The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline nearing completion,
- The Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas project,
- The Presidential CNG Initiative, and
- The expansion of autogas corridors across the country.
“Our message to the world is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and NNPC Limited is fit for the future. We invite the world to co-invest in Africa’s energy transformation,” Ojulari said.
Ojulari’s remarks echoed the opening statement of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and CEO of ADNOC, who called for “pragmatic, not performative” approaches to global energy policy and emphasized the need for $4 trillion in annual global investment to meet future energy demand.
In alignment with that call, Ojulari stressed that NNPC Ltd is positioning itself as a commercially driven, globally engaged energy corporation, capable of bridging Africa’s development gap and advancing the global energy transition.
NNPC’s participation at ADIPEC 2025 themed “Energy. Intelligence. Impact.” underscores its evolution into a company that not only powers Nigeria’s domestic economy but also contributes to shaping Africa’s collective energy future.
The 41st edition of ADIPEC, hosted by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is one of the largest global platforms for energy dialogue, drawing key policymakers, investors, and innovators from across the world.
“We are redefining what it means to be an African energy leader,” Ojulari concluded. “From oil to gas to renewables, NNPC Ltd is charting a sustainable path for Nigeria and Africa.”
