NNPCL: Stronger Governance and Unity Key to Securing Africa’s Energy Future
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has assured African nations that funding challenges in developing new oil and gas fields should not derail the continent’s energy ambitions. The company emphasized that ownership of resources, homegrown policies, and stronger governance structures remain vital to securing Africa’s energy future.
Ojulari’s Call for African Ownership
Speaking at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to driving sustainable energy security across Africa. He stressed that with declining European investments in fossil fuels—most expected to phase out by 2030—Africa must act decisively to harness its abundant resources.
“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.
Strategic Infrastructure Projects
Ojulari outlined several projects spearheaded by NNPCL, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, aimed at strengthening domestic energy connectivity. He also highlighted the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which will extend to Côte d’Ivoire in its first phase and ultimately reach Morocco to 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,” Ojulari explained.
Enabling Environment and Security Gains
The NNPCL boss noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has created a stronger investment climate across the oil and gas value chain. On security, he revealed that partnerships with host communities and security agencies have delivered 100% pipeline availability—a milestone Nigeria has not achieved in two decades, restoring investor confidence in the resilience of its energy infrastructure.
Global Benchmarking and Collaboration
Benchmarking against international energy giants such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, Ojulari reaffirmed NNPCL’s readiness to collaborate, share knowledge, and partner with African peers to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.
