- NNPC CEO Bayo Ojulari urged African countries to drive their energy transition through technology, local investment, and regional collaboration.
- He called for inclusive dialogue, stronger policies, and youth involvement to balance energy access, sustainability, and economic growth.
Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has urged Nigeria and other African countries to define their energy transition paths by embracing technology, innovation, regional cooperation, and human capital investment.
Speaking virtually at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), Ojulari warned against adopting externally imposed models and called for a just, inclusive, and context-driven energy transition.
“We must recognise the future of energy is neither linear nor predetermined,” Ojulari said. “It depends on how intentionally we engage, invest, and embrace innovation.”
Furthermore, he emphasised that Africa must reposition its oil and gas sector as a cornerstone of a resilient and inclusive energy future. He warned that while global decarbonisation gains momentum, many Africans still lack basic energy access.
“Our approach must balance development with justice,” he said. “Energy transition must not be imposed; it must be negotiated.”
Ojulari highlighted the interlinked challenges facing Africa’s energy systems, including climate change, capital flight, technological gaps, and supply chain disruptions. He said the continent must tackle these issues collectively through regional alliances and inclusive dialogue.
“We must foster robust, transparent engagement across all stakeholder groups, governments, industry players, financiers, technology leaders, civil society, and, most importantly, our youth,” he said.
He identified key technologies needed to meet net-zero ambitions, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen, AI-driven exploration, modular gas solutions, and smart grids. “These are not buzzwords but strategic enablers,” he said.
Ojulari also stressed the need for massive investment and reform. “We must derisk our environment, strengthen governance, streamline regulations, and honour contracts to attract long-term capital,” he said. “Blended finance and climate-resilient funds can bridge gaps.”
He called for using petroleum revenues to fund renewable energy, clean cooking technologies, and industrial decarbonisation. “We must ensure hydrocarbons and technology co-exist in building a modern, sustainable energy system for Africa,” he said.
Ojulari emphasised youth engagement and STEM education as pillars of long-term progress. “The transition is about people, not just fuel. We need to invest in young innovators who can shape and lead the continent’s energy future,” he said.
He closed his remarks with a call to action: “Let us act with conviction, not in isolation. Let us build an energy industry that is efficient, enduring, relevant, and revolutionary. This is our moment to lead.”