Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has emphasized that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on effectively harnessing its vast gas resources, describing gas as the country’s gateway to a cleaner future and the foundation for export-driven growth.

Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ojulari highlighted Nigeria’s emergence as a global energy powerhouse capable of powering Africa’s development and contributing to global energy stability.

Addressing what he termed Africa’s “energy trilemma,” Ojulari noted that despite the continent’s abundant energy resources, it continues to face challenges of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, with more than 600 million Africans still lacking electricity.

He said, with 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, Nigeria and NNPC Ltd are well-positioned to lead the transformation of Africa’s energy landscape.

“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 industrialization, and our foundation for export-led growth,” Ojulari stated.

He further emphasized that Africa’s energy strategy must be tailored to the continent’s needs. “With over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, our approach must be just, equitable, and people-centered. It should lift communities out of poverty, power industries, support agriculture, transform transportation, and unleash the creativity of Africa’s youth,” he added.

On efforts to expand gas access as a key driver of industrialization and economic growth, Ojulari revealed that NNPC Ltd has launched a new Gas Masterplan and is making significant progress on strategic gas infrastructure projects, including the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3), Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipelines, and the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) expansion.

“These projects are more than pipelines; they are highways for economic opportunity,” he said.