By JKNewsMedia
UNWAVERING COMMITMENT to sustainable energy security across Africa has been reaffirmed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari.
Addressing industry leaders at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, Ojulari stressed the urgency for the continent to accelerate its energy transition and secure its energy future.
Ojulari’s remarks, contained in a press statement issued by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, on 16 September 2025, also highlighted the steady decline of European investments in fossil fuel refineries, most of which are set to phase out by 2030.
He noted that this development makes it imperative for Africa to take decisive steps in harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people.
“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.
The statement also pointed to strategic infrastructure projects led by NNPC Ltd., including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic energy network.
Progress was also outlined on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which seeks to deepen regional integration and expand 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 further underlined the enabling environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which he said continues to attract new opportunities for investors across the oil and gas value chain.
On infrastructure security, he disclosed that strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies have enabled Nigeria to achieve 100% pipeline availability for the first time in two decades, a milestone that has restored confidence in the resilience of the country’s energy assets.
Referencing global benchmarks such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, Ojulari reiterated NNPC Ltd.’s readiness to collaborate, share expertise, and work with African peers to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.
