The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari has called on African nations to take full ownership of their energy policies and natural resources, urging leaders across the continent to chart a path towards energy security that reflects Africa’s unique realities and priorities.
In a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, after Ojulari spoke at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, he emphasised the urgent need for Africa to accelerate its energy transition and take strategic action to safeguard its energy future.
“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.
He highlighted the decline of European investments in fossil fuel refineries, with most set to phase out by 2030, noting that this development makes it imperative for Africa to take decisive action in harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people.
The GCEO outlined strategic infrastructure projects spearheaded by NNPC Ltd., including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, 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, which 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 explained.
Ojulari also pointed to the enabling investment environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act, which continues to open new opportunities for investors across the oil and gas value chain.
On security, he disclosed that through strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies, Nigeria has achieved 100 per cent 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.
