Nigeria is set to leverage its vast natural gas resources to accelerate Africa’s economic growth, deepen industrialisation, and contribute to global energy stability, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has said.
Ojulari disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He described natural gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term energy and economic strategy, positioning the country as a leading force in Africa’s energy transition.
According to him, Nigeria’s pathway to sustainable prosperity lies in effectively harnessing its abundant energy resources, with gas serving as a bridge to a cleaner future, a driver of industrial growth, and a catalyst for export-led development.
“Gas sits at the heart of our strategy. It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialisation, and our foundation for export-led growth,” Ojulari stated.
He highlighted what he termed Africa’s energy trilemma—accessibility, affordability, and sustainability—despite the continent’s vast resource endowment. Ojulari noted that over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, stressing that Africa’s energy solutions must be homegrown and people-centred.
“With more than 600 million Africans without electricity, our approach cannot be a copy-and-paste of other regions. It must be just, equitable, and people-focused—one that lifts citizens out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unlocks the creativity of Africa’s youth,” he said.
Ojulari disclosed that Nigeria, with an estimated 37 billion barrels of crude oil and about 209 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, is strategically positioned to lead Africa’s energy renaissance. He added that NNPC Ltd is committed to driving this transformation through targeted investments, policy alignment, and strategic partnerships.
Beyond its commercial objectives, the NNPC Ltd boss described the national oil company as a key enabler of peace, prosperity, and socio-economic stability across the continent.
On practical steps to boost gas availability and utilisation, Ojulari revealed that NNPC Ltd has launched a new Gas Masterplan and is making significant progress on critical gas infrastructure projects. These include the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the expansion of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS).
Also speaking, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, underscored the broader economic impact of the projects, noting that they go beyond infrastructure development.
“These projects are more than pipelines; they are highways for economic opportunity,” Odeh said.
The NIES 2026 summit convened government officials, energy industry leaders, investors, and development partners to deliberate on sustainable energy pathways, with Nigeria’s gas-led strategy emerging as a central theme in discussions on Africa’s future energy security.
Nigeria plans to harness its vast gas resources to drive Africa’s industrial growth and energy transition, as NNPC Ltd GCEO Bashir Ojulari outlines a gas-led strategy at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026
NNPC Ltd GCEO Bashir Ojulari says Nigeria will deploy its abundant gas reserves to power Africa’s economic growth, industrialisation, and energy transition, highlighting key pipeline projects at NIES 2026.
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