By JKNewsMedia
COMMITMENT TO strengthening Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas infrastructure was the drive as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) pledged renewed efforts to drive collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability across the energy value chain.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed this during the opening ceremony of the 2025 OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week held in Lagos.
The GCEO, represented by the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr Mumuni Dagazau, said NNPC remains steadfast in its mission to transform the downstream sector through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development that will enable broader participation and enhanced market performance.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Energy Sustainability: Beyond Boundaries & Competition,” Ojulari emphasised that competition alone could no longer guarantee progress in the rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
He explained that collaboration, sustainability, and resilience had become the essential benchmarks for growth in the sector.
“At NNPC, we are committed to deploying additional infrastructure across the oil and gas value chain while revamping our existing downstream infrastructure nationwide,” he stated.
“These assets will be accessible to partners seeking to store and transport products, supporting strategic alliances and collaboration in the downstream sector.”
Ojulari noted that the company’s approach to downstream transformation aligns with national objectives to ensure energy security and expand access to cleaner fuels.
He added that NNPC’s integrated strategy focuses on leveraging new technologies and partnerships to modernise critical infrastructure, facilitate energy transition, and ensure the stability of product supply across the country.
He highlighted that a combination of factors—including government policies, fiscal incentives, and transparent regulatory frameworks introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), had positioned the downstream sector for expansion and growth.
According to him, these reforms have opened new investment opportunities and created demand for advanced skill sets and innovative business models.
“The PIA has created an enabling environment for private investments and growth in emerging areas such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and mini-LNG projects,” Ojulari explained.
“It has also provided a clear structure for fiscal stability and accountability, allowing industry players to plan long-term investments and deepen collaboration in the downstream ecosystem.”
He called on stakeholders and participants at the conference to engage constructively on ways to enhance efficiency and sustainability within the industry.
“We must discuss challenges and align on opportunities to redefine energy systems in ways that are both profitable and sustainable, to forge cross-sector partnerships that transcend traditional competition, and to explore innovative business models and technologies that support decarbonisation while driving economic value,” he stated.
Ojulari noted that the global energy transition has underscored the importance of resilience and inclusivity in the oil and gas industry.
He said NNPC’s ongoing downstream reforms were aimed at ensuring the company’s assets remained competitive and responsive to both domestic and international market demands.
He added that NNPC’s infrastructural investments were also targeted at improving efficiency in petroleum products distribution and ensuring stability in supply and pricing for consumers nationwide.
“We are ensuring that all our pipelines, depots, and storage facilities are modernised and fully functional. The goal is to create a robust and reliable network that enhances national energy security and stimulates economic growth,” he noted.
According to Ojulari, NNPC’s downstream transformation agenda includes initiatives that will integrate renewable energy sources and promote clean fuel adoption.
He stated that the company was working closely with relevant stakeholders to build sustainable energy systems capable of supporting industrial growth while minimising environmental impact.
“Collaboration across the energy value chain is critical to achieving sustainable energy transition. We believe in partnerships that strengthen resilience, promote innovation, and drive shared prosperity,” Ojulari said.
The GCEO also reaffirmed NNPC’s readiness to work with both local and international partners to develop scalable solutions for the evolving energy market. He said such partnerships were essential for unlocking investment, developing infrastructure, and advancing Nigeria’s position as a regional energy hub.
He urged participants to use the OTL Africa platform as an opportunity to deliberate on practical solutions that balance environmental considerations with economic priorities.
He emphasised that the time had come for Africa’s downstream sector to move beyond competition and embrace a collective drive towards sustainable growth.
Ojulari underscored that the company’s operations were guided by transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
“Our objective is to ensure that NNPC remains an enabler of growth, a trusted partner, and a catalyst for industrial and national development,” he said.
The OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week, according to the statement, serves as the continent’s premier gathering for international organisations, policymakers, regulators, development agencies, operators, and service providers within the downstream and midstream energy value chain.
The event provides a unique platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and identify strategies to strengthen Africa’s downstream energy landscape.
NNPC also noted that the forum’s theme. “Energy Sustainability: Beyond Boundaries & Competition” reflects the industry’s transition towards cleaner, more inclusive, and technology-driven energy systems.
The company expressed optimism that discussions at the conference would accelerate the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions to address Africa’s unique energy challenges.
The statement, signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, on 27th October 2025, reaffirmed the company’s position as a key enabler of sustainable energy growth in Nigeria and across the continent.
It further stated that NNPC remains committed to working with government agencies, private investors, and international partners to ensure the continued expansion and modernisation of the downstream industry.
“NNPC will continue to champion innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the oil and gas industry,” the statement concluded.
“We are confident that through partnerships and shared vision, Africa’s downstream sector can achieve global competitiveness and long-term energy security,” it concluded.
