Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has reiterated the central role of natural gas in powering Africa's industrial and economic rebirth. Ojulari stated that given Nigeria’s abundance of gas resources (209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves), it has a responsibility to lead the continent out …
NIES 2026: Nigeria Will Utilise Gas to Power Africa’s Rise — Ojulari
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has reiterated the central role of natural gas in powering Africa’s industrial and economic rebirth.
Ojulari stated that given Nigeria’s abundance of gas resources (209 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves), it has a responsibility to lead the continent out of energy poverty and toward a just energy transition.
The NNPCL GCEO stated this in remarks at the 9th Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3.
“Nigeria’s pathway to a prosperous future lies in our collective ability to leverage our resource abundance, especially as gas sits at the heart of our strategy. It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialization, and our foundation for export-led growth,” Ojulari stated.
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While noting that Africa is endowed with vast energy resources, Ojulari pointed out that the continent still has low access to energy, with over 600 million people living without electricity.
Given the level of energy poverty, he maintained that the continent’s energy transition must be tailored to its specific needs: lifting people out of poverty, powering industries, supporting agriculture, strengthening transport systems, and empowering the burgeoning African youth population with 21st-century vital skills.
Speaking on efforts towards enhancing access to gas, Ojulari mentioned that the NNPC has unveiled a new Gas Masterplan while aggressively advancing major gas infrastructure projects such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3), Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK), and Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) expansions.
He described the projects as “highways for economic opportunity” in the country.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
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