By Christie U. Omonigho
Energy Window International (Media) – Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has stated in categorical terms that Nigeria would not relent in its efforts in pushing for the rise of Africa through effective mobilization and utilization of gas resources. He stated this while addressing energy industry stakeholders and diplomats across the length and breadth of Africa who were in Abuja for the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026.
“As an emerging global energy powerhouse, Nigeria has the responsibility to utilize its abundant gas resources to power Africa’s rise and contribute meaningfully to global stability”, he said
Stating that, “Nigeria’s pathway to a prosperous future lies in our collective ability to leverage our resource abundance, especially as gas sits at the heart of our strategy. It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialization, and our foundation for export-led growth.”
Describing what he has referred to as, “Africa’s energy trilemma”, Ojulari said although the African continent was endowed with vast energy resources, it still grapples with issues of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, with over 600 million Africans living without access to electricity.
He said that with 37 billion barrels crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, Nigeria and the NNPC Ltd were pretty ready to lead the charge in changing the narrative.
“With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, the continent’s priority cannot be a copy and paste. Ours must be a just, equitable, people-centered energy additions, one that lifts our people out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unleashes the creativity of Africa’s youth”, he stated.
He said NNPC Ltd was not just a commercial entity but also a peace and prosperity enabler.
On steps being taken to enhance access to gas as the primary fuel for driving industrialization and economic growth, the GCEO said NNPC Ltd has launched a new Gas Masterplan, while aggressively progressing strategic gas infrastructure projects such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3), Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipelines, and the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) expansion.
“These projects are more than pipelines, they are highways for economic opportunity”, he explained.