The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has stressed the need to speed up the delivery of major gas infrastructure projects, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline, to deepen regional integration and boost cross-border energy trade.
Ojulari said accelerating these flagship projects would play a vital role in enhancing cooperation among African nations and strengthening shared energy networks across the continent.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during a fireside chat with Mr. Andy Brown, Deputy Chair of Ørsted and President of the Energy Institute, at the 2026 International Energy Week (IEW) in London. Speaking on the importance of expanding cross-border infrastructure, the NNPC chief noted that the company’s ongoing regional gas initiatives highlight the benefits of shared assets in driving scale, operational efficiency, and system resilience.
Ojulari outlined key elements necessary to secure Africa’s energy future, including shared infrastructure, policy coordination, harmonised investment frameworks, cross-border technology and knowledge exchange, integrated gas market development, and sustained diplomatic engagement among National Oil Companies (NOCs).
According to him, African countries must work toward harmonised pricing systems, transit arrangements, local content policies, and joint technical standards.
He pointed to reforms such as Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as examples that could help reduce investment barriers, protect cross-border assets, and promote fair access to shared energy infrastructure.
Ojulari also advocated the creation of structured joint investment platforms among African NOCs, arguing that collective action would enhance the continent’s ability to attract and efficiently deploy capital.
Addressing NNPC Ltd’s plans to increase oil production, expand gas output, and draw in new investments, he said success would depend on a practical, Africa-focused approach that treats energy as both a driver of economic growth and a contributor to global climate objectives.
“Our pathway is clear: grow production responsibly, scale gas as the backbone of Africa’s industrialisation, strengthen environmental accountability, and align with global decarbonisation objectives—while ensuring that Africans are not left behind in the energy transition,” he affirmed.
In a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, the International Energy Week was described as a leading global forum that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, regulators, and innovators to deliberate on energy security, transition strategies, capital mobilisation, and sustainability.
The statement added that this year’s edition in London features the Chair of Ørsted and the President of the Energy Institute among key participants at Wednesday’s session.
