NNPC Calls for Global Partnerships, Increased Investment to Tackle Africa’s Energy Poverty
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has urged international energy players and financial institutions to deepen partnerships and expand investment across Africa in order to address the continent’s growing energy poverty and accelerate economic development.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the call on Tuesday during an “Energy Talk” session at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025) in the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning energy analyst and author, Daniel Yergin, Ojulari said Nigeria remains central to Africa’s energy outlook, noting that the country’s vast oil, gas and renewable resources position it as a strategic player in the global energy transition.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is pursuing reforms aimed at moving the country from an extractive economy to a diversified, investment-driven energy market.
“Africa’s energy future must be built on pragmatism and strategic partnerships,” the NNPC GCEO said. “Our focus is to grow production, expand gas monetization, deepen collaboration with investors, and deliver value to Nigerians and global partners.”
Ojulari disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen to 1.7 million barrels per day, with targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day in the long term. He attributed the improvement to renewed cooperation between NNPC, international oil companies and local independents, as well as the resolution of long-standing operational challenges.
He also announced plans to attract between $30 billion and $60 billion in new investments by 2030, saying recent fiscal incentives introduced by the Federal Government are already drawing investor interest in deep-water oil development and gas projects.
The GCEO highlighted key national energy infrastructure projects, including the nearly completed Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, progress on the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas link, and the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) under the Presidential CNG Initiative to accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels.
Ojulari echoed remarks by UAE Minister of Industry and ADNOC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who called for “pragmatic, not performative” global energy policies and emphasized the need for sustained investment to secure reliable energy supply.
“Our message is simple: Nigeria is open for business, and NNPC Ltd. is ready for the future. We invite global partners to co-invest in Africa’s energy transformation,” Ojulari said.
NNPC’s participation at ADIPEC 2025 reinforces its transition into a commercially driven, globally competitive energy company with a growing footprint in regional energy development.
ADIPEC is one of the world’s largest annual energy exhibitions, hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The 2025 edition, themed “Energy. Intelligence. Impact.”, is the 41st in the series.
