The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has advised Africa to come up with bankable energy projects as one of the ways of ensuring a sustainable energy future.
This is even as the rumour that he has been relieved of his post is yet to settle, thereby getting everybody confused about the real state of things with him.
However, his delivering speech on Monday at the ongoing Society of Petroleum Engineer (SPE) Nigerian Council’s 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibiton holding in Lagos, may have proven the story of his removal by the government untrue.
Ojulari, who is also a board member of the SPE Nigerian Council, said Africa must not only compete for available capital, but make a case for why its energy landscape is bankable.
“Government and stakeholders must co-create an industry that is attractive for investments,” he said, adding that energy transition is not just about the resources but also about the people.
This year’s conference is themed ‘Building A Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy’.
Speaking further, Ojulari called for bold leadership in reshaping Africa’s energy landscape, adding that the future of energy is neither linear nor predetermined.
He said, “It will be shaped by leadership and investment.
“The future of energy must be inclusive of the people. It must deepen strategic engagement across borders and across the globe.
“Constructive dialogues across all stakeholders must be held, to align national priorities with global goals.”
He impressed that energy transition must not be imposed but negotiated with natural gas being recognised as the transitional fuel for Africa.
“Hydrocarbon and natural gas must co-exist. Energy transition is not the resources but about the people, and our youths,” he said.
He called for investment in STEM, green initiatives, deepened partnership, capital mobilisation and youth empowerment.
“Let us lead the energy transition story with our people and youths in mind. Our goal is not just to meet the energy needs of today but the goals of future energy,” he added.
While speaking earlier, SPE Nigeria Council Chair, Amina Danmadami, said a sustainable energy future required a holistic approach, to include technology, efficient supply chain, human resources and policies.
Danmadami, who is also the first female SPE Nigeria’s Council Chair, also called for collaboration among industry stakeholders.
