‘We’re ready to build Africa’s refining backbone’ — NNPC
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed the company’s resolve to eliminate structural bottlenecks and establish a robust, self-sufficient refining ecosystem across Africa.
Ojulari made the pledge on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address titled “Building an African Refinery Hub” at the Global Community Insights Conference on the West Africa Refined Fuel Market, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
Highlighting the NNPC’s multi-pronged approach, he said the company is leveraging the strategic overhaul of its refineries, its equity stake in the Dangote Refinery, condensate opportunities, and support for third-party projects to position Africa as a leading refining hub.
“NNPC Ltd. stands ready. Ready to co-create, co-invest, and co-lead in building an African refining ecosystem that is inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive,” Ojulari declared.
He emphasized that key elements such as infrastructure integration, indigenous ownership, and policy harmonisation are vital to transforming the downstream sector, reducing reliance on imports, and guaranteeing energy security.
The NNPC chief also commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for organizing the conference and driving strategic dialogue toward achieving energy self-sufficiency on the continent.
Ojulari urged all industry stakeholders to shift from policy declarations to tangible delivery, from isolated national goals to collaborative regional execution, and from fragmented development to system-wide transformation.
“Let us build, not just refineries, but a new backbone for Africa’s industrial age. Let us refine, not just crude, but the future of this continent,” he concluded.
