Ojulari Advocates United Energy Strategy for Africa at London Energy Forum

SAMUEL MOBOLAJI

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has called for stronger coordination among African nations to secure the continent’s energy future, stressing the need to align infrastructure, policy and capital.

Ojulari made the call during a fireside chat with Mr. Andy Brown, Deputy Chair of Ørsted and President of the Energy Institute, at the 2026 International Energy Week in London on Wednesday.

He identified shared infrastructure, policy alignment, coordinated investment frameworks, cross border knowledge and technology exchange, integrated gas market development, and sustained regional diplomacy among National Oil Companies as critical pillars for achieving long term energy security in Africa.

Advertisement

Speaking on the importance of cross border energy infrastructure, Ojulari pointed to NNPC Ltd’s ongoing regional gas initiatives as practical examples of how shared assets can unlock scale, efficiency and resilience across markets.

He emphasised that accelerated delivery of flagship projects such as the Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipeline and the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline would significantly strengthen regional integration and boost cross-border energy trade.

According to him, Africa must move towards harmonised pricing frameworks, transit protocols, local content standards and joint technical regulations.

He noted that reforms such as Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act offer useful lessons in reducing investment bottlenecks, protecting cross-border infrastructure and ensuring fair access to shared energy assets.

Advertisement

Ojulari also advocated the creation of structured joint investment platforms among African National Oil Companies, arguing that collective action would enhance the continent’s ability to attract and deploy capital more efficiently.

On NNPC Ltd’s plan to increase oil output, expand gas production and attract fresh investment, the GCEO said the strategy would be pragmatic and Africa-focused. He maintained that energy must serve as both a driver of economic development 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,” Ojulari said.