Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to develop bankable and investment-ready energy projects to secure a sustainable energy future.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council in Lagos, Ojulari urged both government and private stakeholders to work together in building an energy sector that attracts global capital.
“Africa must not just compete for investment,” he stated. “We need to present a compelling case that our energy sector is bankable and worth the risk.”
Ojulari, who also serves on the board of the SPE Nigerian Council, stressed that energy transition should focus not only on natural resources but on the people, especially Africa’s youth.
This year’s conference theme, ‘Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy’, reflects the broad and inclusive approach needed for progress.
He further highlighted the importance of bold leadership, cross-border collaborations, and inclusive policy development. “The future of energy is not fixed, it will be shaped by the decisions we make today, especially in terms of leadership and investment,” he said.
Ojulari reiterated the role of natural gas as Africa’s transitional fuel, urging that the continent’s path toward clean energy should not be dictated by external forces, but negotiated in line with regional needs.
“Hydrocarbons and natural gas must co-exist,” he added. “Energy transition must be people-centered and aligned with youth empowerment, green innovation, and strategic investment in STEM education.”
In her opening remarks, SPE Nigeria Council Chair, Amina Danmadami who made history as the first female chair of the council called for stronger collaboration across the energy sector. She underscored the need for technology integration, robust supply chains, skilled human capital, and forward-thinking policies to drive sustainable transformation.
The three-day conference continues to gather key energy leaders and stakeholders committed to shaping Africa’s energy future through dialogue, innovation, and action.
