Nigeria to Harness Gas Resources to Power Africa’s Growth — Ojulari
Nigeria is positioning natural gas as the cornerstone of its energy transition and industrialisation strategy, with plans to leverage its vast gas reserves to drive Africa’s economic growth and improve electricity access across the continent.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Gas at the Heart of Nigeria’s Energy Strategy
Ojulari described Nigeria as an emerging global energy powerhouse, stressing that gas remains central to the country’s pathway to sustainable development, cleaner energy, and export-led growth.
“Nigeria’s pathway to a prosperous future lies in our collective ability to leverage our resource abundance, especially as gas sits at the heart of our strategy. It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialisation, and our foundation for export-led growth,” he said.
Addressing Africa’s Energy Trilemma
He drew attention to Africa’s persistent energy challenges, noting that despite vast natural resources, the continent continues to struggle with energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
According to Ojulari, over 600 million Africans currently lack access to electricity, underscoring the need for a people-centred and equitable energy transition.
“With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, the continent’s priority cannot be a copy-and-paste approach. It must be a just, equitable, and people-focused energy transition that lifts people out of poverty, powers industries, supports agriculture, transforms transportation, and unlocks the creativity of Africa’s youth,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Gas Reserves and Leadership Role
Ojulari revealed that Nigeria holds an estimated 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, positioning the country and NNPC Ltd to lead Africa’s gas-driven industrial transformation.
He emphasised that NNPC Ltd is not only a commercial organisation but also a critical enabler of economic growth, peace, and prosperity.
Strategic Gas Infrastructure Projects
To boost gas utilisation and accelerate industrial growth, Ojulari said NNPC Ltd has rolled out a new Gas Masterplan and is advancing major gas infrastructure projects nationwide.
These include the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) expansion.
“These projects are more than pipelines; they are highways for economic opportunity,” he noted.
Keywords: Nigeria gas resources, NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Africa energy transition, Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026, gas infrastructure, AKK pipeline, OB3 pipeline, ELPS, Africa electricity access
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
