The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has called for stronger regional and continental collaboration to safeguard Africa’s energy resources, stressing that strategic partnerships with security agencies have enabled Nigeria to achieve near 100 percent crude oil pipeline availability.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, Ojulari highlighted that energy security is central to Africa’s growth and prosperity, noting that the oil and gas sector cannot thrive without the support of defence institutions.

“The gains we have recorded in the fight against crude oil theft and vandalism were made possible through sustained collaboration with government security agencies,” Ojulari stated.

He further added, “Today, we are proud to report that we have achieved near 100 percent pipeline availability, a feat that underscores the importance of joint action.”

The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,” brought together the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside military chiefs from across the continent and key stakeholders in security and energy.

Ojulari urged African nations to strengthen existing alliances and develop frameworks to enable defence institutions and national oil companies to share intelligence, technology, and best practices in protecting resources.

“Africa’s energy future depends on our ability to secure the infrastructure that underpins production and distribution. This is not a task for one country alone; it requires a continental shield built on trust, partnership, and shared responsibility,” he said.

He reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria’s armed forces and intelligence services, expressing confidence that the summit would produce actionable strategies to safeguard Africa’s energy systems against emerging threats.

“We look forward to frameworks from this summit that will enhance our capacity to protect resources, sustain production, and create prosperity for our people,” Ojulari added.

Over the years, the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit has provided a high-level platform for military leaders and strategic partners to deliberate on security challenges affecting the continent.