The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has called on African nations to design and present bankable energy projects as a strategic path toward achieving a sustainable energy future.
Speaking on Monday at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council in Lagos, Ojulari emphasized that Africa must not only compete for global capital, but also prove the viability and attractiveness of its energy sector.
Ojulari, who also serves as a board member of the SPE Nigerian Council, stressed that governments and stakeholders must work together to co-create an environment conducive for investment.
“The energy transition isn’t solely about resources. It’s about the people. Government and stakeholders must co-create an industry that is attractive for investments,” he said.
This year’s conference is themed: “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy.”
Ojulari called for bold leadership to transform Africa’s energy systems and asserted that the future of energy will be shaped by proactive leadership and strategic investments, not passive developments.
“The future of energy must be inclusive of the people. It must deepen strategic engagement across borders and around the globe,” he stated. “Constructive dialogues across all stakeholders must be held, to align national priorities with global goals.”
He underscored the need for Africa’s energy transition to be negotiated, not imposed, with a specific call for natural gas to be recognised as the continent’s transitional fuel.
“Hydrocarbons and natural gas must coexist. The transition isn’t just about the resources it’s about the people and our youths,” Ojulari said.
To ensure a people-centered transition, the NNPCL boss advocated for increased investment in STEM education, green innovation, regional partnerships, capital mobilisation, and youth empowerment.
“Let us lead the energy transition story with our people and youths in mind. Our goal is not just to meet the energy needs of today, but also the demands of tomorrow,” he concluded.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Chair of the SPE Nigeria Council and the first woman to hold the position, Amina Danmadami, echoed similar sentiments. She noted that building a sustainable energy future requires a comprehensive approach one that incorporates technology, efficient supply chains, human capital development, and supportive policy frameworks.
Danmadami also stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, reinforcing the message that no single entity can achieve energy sustainability in isolation.
