Ojulari Calls For Robust Ties To Achieve Energy Security In Africa – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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Anthony Ufoh

Engr. Bayo Ojulari,  the Group Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has reassured stakeholders in the energy sector on the continent of the nation’s commitment to achieving sustainable energy security across the continent.

Ojulari made this statement while he addressed stakeholders and industry leaders at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) and National Oil Companies Forum (NOCF), as he stressed that there is a need and urgency for Africa to accelerate its energy transition and secure its future in that regard.

He highlighted Europe’s decline in fossil energy, which in a few years’ time(2030) will finally be phased out. In view of this, he urged Africa to harness its abundant resources for the benefit of the continent and its people.

In the statement signed by Andy Odey, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL ,on the organisation’s X account @nnpclimited (formerly Twitter), Ojulari emphasised progress on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline Project, an expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which will enhance regional integration and cross-border energy trade.

He said, “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.

“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.

Engr. Ojulari also pointed to the enabling investment environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which continues to open new opportunities for investors across the oil and gas value chain.

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.