Nigeria’s Vision for Energy Leadership in Africa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a 2 million Barrels Per Day (bpd) oil production by 2027, emphasizing the need for bold global partnerships and investments to address energy poverty across Africa. This vision was shared during the “Energy Talk” session at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025), held in the United Arab Emirates.
A Strategic Approach to Energy Growth
At the event, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy landscape. He described NNPC as the linchpin in the continent’s drive toward energy sufficiency. Ojulari explained that the company has already increased Nigeria’s oil output to 1.7 million barrels per day, with clear targets of reaching 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million bpd in the long term. This growth is driven by redefined relationships with Independent Oil Companies (IOCs) and independents, as well as efforts to remove legacy barriers and align on shared value.
Ojulari also reiterated the company’s commitment to working with OPEC peers, African National Oil Companies (NOCs), and financial institutions to attract $30–$60 billion in fresh investment by 2030. New government incentives beyond the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are already drawing capital for deep-water exploration, dry gas development, and cost reduction.
Key Energy Initiatives and Future Goals
Several high-profile energy initiatives have been spotlighted by Ojulari, including:
- Upstream revivalthrough accelerated new fields development
- Gas infrastructure expansion, including the near-completion of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3)
- Cleaner energy rollout, such as the Presidential CNG Initiative and the expansion of autogas corridors
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there are concerted efforts to transform Nigeria from an extractive economy into a diversified, investment-driven energy hub. Ojulari emphasized that Africa’s energy future must be built on pragmatism, partnerships, and purpose, stating that NNPC is not just participating in the energy transition but shaping it from an African perspective.
Call for Global Collaboration
Ojulari echoed the opening remarks of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and ADNOC CEO, who called for “pragmatic, not performative” energy policies and stressed the need for $4 trillion in annual global energy investment. He urged global stakeholders to co-invest in Africa’s energy future, reinforcing the message that Nigeria is open for business and ready to co-invest in the continent’s energy transformation.
NNPC’s Presence at ADIPEC 2025
NNPC’s participation at ADIPEC 2025 underscores its evolution into a commercially-driven, globally-engaged energy company. The exhibition, hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is one of the world’s largest energy events, with this year’s edition themed: “Energy. Intelligence. Impact,” marking its 41st iteration.
Days before the main event, Ojulari led a high-level delegation to the NNPC exhibition booth, reinforcing the company’s commitment to global partnerships, energy equity, and sustainable investment. The visit was welcomed by senior executives, including the Executive Vice President, Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, and other leaders. The Chairman of the Board of NNPC and fellow board members were also present, demonstrating unified leadership and support for the company’s international engagements.
Engaging in High-Level Discussions
Ojulari participated in a closed-door session of the Global Oil Club, a prestigious forum of leading energy companies and institutions. In his remarks, he emphasized the urgent need to end energy poverty across Africa and called for co-investment strategies to de-risk energy infrastructure and unlock shared prosperity.
“Africa’s energy future must be built on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. NNPC Limited stands ready to co-create solutions that will deliver real impact,” he stated.
Also representing NNPC was Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udy Ntia, who featured in the Global Strategy Session titledBeyond the Barrel: The Future of Upstream Strategy. In his submission, Ntia affirmed NNPC’s readiness to co-invest in industry-wide solutions while accelerating Nigeria’s oil and gas output in line with national and regional energy mandates.