NNPC Ltd GCEO Urges Stronger African Unity to Secure Energy Future

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to working with other African nations to ensure sustainable energy security across the continent.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the corporation.

Speaking at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, Engr. Ojulari underscored the urgent need for Africa to accelerate its energy transition and safeguard its energy future. He noted the steady decline of European investments in fossil fuel refineries, most of which are expected to be phased out by 2030, stressing that Africa must take bold steps to harness its abundant natural 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 NNPC boss highlighted strategic infrastructure projects driven by the company, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy network. He also pointed to progress on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project—an extension of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP)—which will deepen regional integration and enhance 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 in the first phase, and ultimately to Morocco,” he explained.

Engr. Ojulari further highlighted the enabling environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which continues to attract investment opportunities across the oil and gas value chain.

On security, he revealed that through closer collaboration with host communities and security agencies, Nigeria has recorded 100% pipeline availability for the first time in two decades—a milestone that has restored investor confidence in the resilience of the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Benchmarking against global energy leaders such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, the GCEO reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s readiness to collaborate, share knowledge, and work collectively with African counterparts to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.