Nigeria has reiterated its position as an emerging global energy powerhouse, leveraging its abundant gas resources to power Africa’s rise and enhance global stability.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering an address at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, gas sits at the centre of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
“Nigeria’s pathway to a prosperous future lies in our collective ability to leverage our resource abundance. Gas is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialisation, and the foundation for export-led growth,” Ojulari said.
He highlighted what he described as Africa’s energy trilemma of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, despite the continent’s vast resource endowment. Ojulari noted that over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, underscoring the urgency for tailored and inclusive energy solutions.
With Nigeria holding about 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, he said both the country and NNPC Ltd are well positioned to lead efforts to reshape Africa’s energy narrative.
“Africa’s priority cannot be copy-and-paste solutions. Ours must be a just, equitable, and people-centred energy transition, one that lifts people out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unlocks the creativity of Africa’s youth,” he added.
Ojulari stressed that NNPC Ltd is not merely a commercial entity but a critical enabler of peace and prosperity.
On steps being taken to expand access to gas as the primary fuel for industrialisation and economic growth, he disclosed that NNPC Ltd has launched a new Gas Masterplan and is advancing strategic infrastructure projects across the country.
These include the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) expansion.
“These projects are more than pipelines; they are highways for economic opportunity,” Ojulari said.