Nigeria Tops Global Energy Investment Map — NNPC’s Ojulari at CERAWeek 2026

 Nigeria is positioning itself as one of the most attractive destinations for global energy capital, with the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, declaring that the country’s energy fundamentals are strong, its policy direction clear, and its focus firmly on execution.
Speaking at the prestigious CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, Ojulari delivered a confident and pragmatic assessment of Nigeria’s energy future, reinforcing the country’s readiness to attract and retain large-scale investments in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
Addressing a global audience of energy executives, policymakers, and investors, Ojulari emphasized that Nigeria’s value proposition is no longer theoretical but grounded in tangible reforms and measurable progress.
“Capital goes where value is clear, and Nigeria has that value,” he stated, setting the tone for discussions around investment flows, energy security, and the future of hydrocarbons in Africa.
Balancing Today’s Needs with Tomorrow’s Energy Future
At a fireside session moderated by Dan Pratt of S&P Global, Ojulari outlined a strategic framework that balances immediate economic priorities with long-term energy transition goals.
According to him, Nigeria is not forced to choose between fossil fuels and cleaner energy pathways but is instead leveraging its current resources to fund future transformation.
“We are not choosing between today and tomorrow; we are funding the future with the present,” he said.
He stressed that oil continues to play a critical role in sustaining government revenues and foreign exchange, while gas is increasingly being positioned as a transition fuel and a catalyst for industrial growth.
Gas as Nigeria’s Strategic Growth Engine
With over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Ojulari described Nigeria’s gas sector as a “game changer” for both domestic development and regional energy security.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to unlock value across the gas value chain, including:
Commercially viable pricing frameworks
Expansion of critical infrastructure such as the AKK (Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano) pipeline
Structuring of bankable contracts to attract long-term investors
Ojulari noted that Nigeria is adopting a flexible strategy that balances domestic gas utilisation with export opportunities, ensuring optimal value creation for the economy.
Deepwater Assets and Global Partnerships Drive Growth
A key pillar of Nigeria’s energy strategy, according to Ojulari, is the development of deepwater assets, which offer scale, stability, and strong investor appeal.
He pointed to strategic collaborations with international oil companies such as Shell and Eni, emphasizing that these partnerships bring not just capital but also technical expertise, advanced technology, and execution discipline.
“These partnerships are critical in de-risking complex projects and accelerating delivery,” he said, referencing key offshore assets including OPL 245.
Reforms, Regulation, and Renewed Investor Confidence
Ojulari credited the Petroleum Industry Act with transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape by establishing regulatory clarity and improving fiscal competitiveness.
He added that ongoing investments in infrastructure and enhanced security architecture are addressing longstanding operational challenges, thereby boosting investor confidence.
“When the fundamentals are right, partnerships scale naturally,” he remarked.
From Resource Ownership to Resource Monetisation
In a notable shift, Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s transition from simply owning energy resources to actively monetising them through disciplined commercial strategies.
He stressed that unlocking the country’s vast but underdeveloped reserves requires:
Competitive fiscal frameworks
Strong governance and execution discipline
Strategic global partnerships
Deepwater exploration, he said, will remain central to this vision due to its resilience and attractiveness to international capital.
Nigeria’s Strategic Message to Global Investors
Ojulari’s presentation at CERAWeek 2026 sends a clear message: Nigeria is open for business and ready to lead Africa’s energy transformation.
With a focus on realism, partnership, and execution, the country is positioning itself not just as a resource-rich nation, but as a dependable, investment-ready energy hub.
Meanwhile, Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, noted that the conference—hosted by S&P Global—is bringing together over 10,000 participants from across the global energy ecosystem to explore the intersection of energy, technology, and geopolitics.
NNPC GCEO Bashir Ojulari tells global investors at CERAWeek 2026 that Nigeria’s strong energy fundamentals, gas potential, and reforms make it a top destination for capital.
NNPC’s Bashir Ojulari highlights Nigeria’s energy investment potential at CERAWeek 2026, citing strong fundamentals, gas reserves, deepwater assets, and ongoing reforms.