The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd Mr.Bashir Ojulari, has called for stronger collaboration between African countries and global partners to unlock the continent’s vast energy resources and accelerate sustainable economic development.
Ojulari made the appeal on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Forging Africa’s Strategic Energy Growth Through Global Collaboration,” he said Africa’s biggest challenge was not a shortage of natural resources or skilled manpower but the lack of coordinated institutions needed to convert those resources into lasting prosperity.
According to him, no country, company or institution can fully maximise the value of its energy resources without working closely with others.
He stressed that collaboration has become essential in today’s increasingly interconnected global energy industry.
Reflecting on NNPC Ltd.’s transformation, Ojulari recalled that at the 2025 edition of the conference, he had outlined plans to rebuild trust, strengthen accountability and create greater value for stakeholders.
He said the company remains committed to transparency, accountability and performance, adding that developments over the past year have further demonstrated the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable energy growth.
Ojulari noted that Africa possesses abundant hydrocarbon resources, skilled professionals and significant economic opportunities, but continues to face challenges because of fragmented systems across the energy value chain.
He explained that thriving energy industries rely on effective cooperation among governments, national oil companies, investors, operators, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, research institutions and host communities.
According to him, weaknesses in any part of the value chain can delay investments, slow project execution and prevent resource rich nations from fully benefiting from their natural wealth.
He also pointed to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global shipping routes as evidence of the growing importance of energy security and resilient international partnerships.
Ojulari said the global energy landscape is evolving rapidly due to changing supply chains, shifting trade patterns, technological advancements and increasingly selective investment decisions.
He argued that success in the next phase of the global energy industry would depend less on the size of a country’s reserves and more on its ability to build strong partnerships and resilient energy ecosystems.
The NNPC chief noted that Africa holds about 17 per cent of the world’s natural gas reserves, substantial crude oil deposits, enormous renewable energy potential and a youthful population capable of driving future economic growth.
Despite these advantages, he lamented that the continent continues to receive only a small share of global energy investments.
He called for a transition from short term transactional relationships to long term strategic partnerships capable of supporting integrated value chains and industrialisation across Africa.
Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities, Ojulari advocated closer cooperation among NNPC Ltd., international oil companies, indigenous operators, financial institutions, regulators, technology firms, universities and local service providers.
He also emphasised the need for stable and transparent regulatory policies, stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry, and accelerated development of local technical expertise.
According to him, NNPC Ltd.’s transformation agenda is built around partnerships across the entire energy value chain.
He said the company’s plans to increase production, commercialise gas resources, expand refining capacity and advance its energy transition strategy all depend on effective collaboration with technical partners, financiers, researchers, infrastructure developers and technology providers.
Ojulari added that NNPC Ltd. now sees itself not only as an energy producer but also as a platform that connects capital, technology, policy, talent and markets to create sustainable value for Nigeria and the African continent.
He concluded that Africa’s future prosperity will depend not only on its abundant natural resources but also on the strength of the partnerships forged within the continent and with global stakeholders.
He envisioned an Africa where energy resources drive industrialisation, gas supports homes and industries, innovation powers economic growth, and the continent becomes a leading destination for energy investment, technology and manufacturing.
Ojulari urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity through bold leadership, purposeful collaboration and a shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy sector and promoting Africa’s long term economic prosperity.
