Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Africa’s energy security at APPO CEOs Forum

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with other African nations to achieve sustainable energy security across the continent.

Speaking at the 7th African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) National Oil Companies CEOs Forum, held on Monday, Ojulari emphasized the urgency for Africa to accelerate its energy transition. He warned that with European investments in fossil fuel refineries declining and most expected to shut down by 2030, African countries must act swiftly to harness their natural resources.

“Africa must take ownership of its resources and policies. Our policies should be designed by us,” Ojulari stated. “With our vast resource base and improved governance structures, I am confident the continent can secure its energy destiny.”

Ojulari highlighted key NNPC infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which aims to strengthen domestic energy connectivity. He also cited progress on the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, an extension of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), designed to enhance regional integration and cross-border energy trade.

“When we started, we faced challenges with alignment, payments, and collaboration, but today the framework is working,” he said. “The plan is to extend the pipeline to Côte d’Ivoire in the first phase, and ultimately to Morocco.”

He also pointed to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as a transformative reform, saying it has created an enabling environment that continues to attract investments across the oil and gas value chain.

On security, Ojulari disclosed that Nigeria has achieved 100% pipeline availability for the first time in two decades. He attributed this milestone to strengthened partnerships with host communities and security agencies, which have helped restore confidence in the country’s energy infrastructure.

Drawing comparisons with global energy giants such as Petrobras, Petronas, and Saudi Aramco, Ojulari reiterated NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective progress with African counterparts to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.