By Danjuma Amodu | February 5, 2026
The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has stated that the Company is currently in talks with partners with proven track records of refining and petrochemical operations to build sustainable, self-financing, and profitable solutions for its refineries.
Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja, Ojulari emphasised the need to focus on the operating model for sustainability, highlighting financing, competent EPC contractors, and world-class operational capacity as critical elements.
Ojulari attributed NNPC Ltd’s recent gains in reducing crude oil theft and improving pipeline availability to strengthened collaboration with upstream operators and decisive government intervention in addressing security challenges.
He also highlighted the NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026 as a customer-driven strategy to stimulate market growth and shared prosperity, aligning with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative.
The GCEO commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the inclusion of industry experts on the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team, strengthening commercial discipline and global competitiveness.
In related discussions, NNPC EVP Upstream, Udy Ntia, pointed to clear fiscal terms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, better governance structures, and greater certainty in execution as key competitive advantages of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Ntia also noted the close collaboration between government and key industry players, providing a firm base for growth and higher confidence among investors.
Senior executives from TotalEnergies, Seplat Energy, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Renaissance Africa Energy, Oando, and ND Western shared their views on the outlook for upstream investments across Africa, highlighting the potential for growth and the need for strategic partnerships.
On downstream operations, NNPC EVP Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau, emphasised the need to think beyond traditional methods, focusing on better last-mile delivery, lower costs, and alternatives like CNG, LPG, pipelines, and gas-based transport for improved efficiency and access. Dagazau pointed to NNPC Ltd’s investments in condensate refineries, growth in CNG and LPG use, and efforts to supply fuel nationwide at low prices, underscoring the company’s commitment to execution excellence and infrastructure optimisation.
The Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 is a premier platform for energy policy dialogue, investment promotion, and innovation, bringing together governments, national and international oil companies, investors, and service providers to shape Africa’s energy landscape.
This year’s summit, themed “Energy for Peace and Progress: Securing Our Shared Future,” focuses on leveraging Nigeria’s hydrocarbon and renewable resources to achieve energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Key discussions include boosting upstream production, accelerating midstream gas infrastructure, expanding local refining, and ensuring policy stability to attract long-term investment.
The impact on the oil sector is significant, with Nigeria aiming to increase national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, attracting over $60 billion in investments. The NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026 prioritizes cost optimization, operational excellence, and systematic resource development.
