By Danjuma Amodu | February 3, 2026
Nigeria’s Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has emphasized the country’s pivotal role in harnessing its abundant gas resources to power Africa’s growth and contribute to global stability.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Ojulari highlighted NNPC’s commitment to driving industrialization and economic growth through gas development.
The summit, themed “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and experts to discuss Africa’s energy future.
Ojulari stressed that Nigeria’s vast energy resources, including 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, position the country as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape. However, he noted that the continent faces significant energy challenges, with over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity.
“With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, the continent’s priority can not be a copy and paste. Ours must be a just, equitable, people-centered energy additions, one that lifts our people out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unleashes the creativity of Africa’s youth,” Ojulari stated.
He said NNPC is taking concrete steps to enhance gas access, including launching a new Gas Masterplan and progressing strategic gas infrastructure projects such as the OB3, AKK, and ELPS expansion.
“These projects are more than pipelines, they are highways for economic opportunity,” he explained.
As the national sponsor of NIES 2026, NNPC Ltd is poised to drive Nigeria’s energy agenda, promoting sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The summit provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss Africa’s energy future and explore opportunities for growth and investment.
Dignitaries who spoke at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; President Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia; and President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and host of other notable speakers.
