Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has called for an inclusive, contextualised energy transition strategy for Africa.
He made the call during his opening remarks at the 2025 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), held in Lagos.
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Themed “Building A Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy,” the conference brought together key industry stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators to chart the course for Nigeria and Africa’s energy future.
Engr. Ojulari highlighted the need for a balanced and just energy transition, stating:
“The energy transition must not be imposed; it must be negotiated, it must be contextualised, and it must be judged.”
He stressed that Africa must assert its place in the global energy landscape by improving governance, enforcing contract sanctity, and embracing transparent leadership.
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Highlighting natural gas as a critical transitional fuel, Ojulari also called for greater investment in clean cooking technologies and the strategic deployment of hydrocarbon revenues to fund renewable energy, infrastructure, and education.
These measures, he said, are vital for ensuring energy equity and justice across the continent.
The NNPC CEO further advocated for collaborative stewardship to drive innovation and attract sustainable investments.
He emphasised the importance of equipping African youth with STEM education and green skills, describing the energy sector as a space of innovation and opportunity.
“Let us empower our youth to see the energy sector not just as a place of infrastructure but as a space of innovation, inclusion, and global relevance,” he concluded.