By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced strategic measures aimed at increasing gas production and infrastructure investment to enhance electricity supply for Nigerians.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja on Tuesday, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, highlighted the urgent need for gas expansion, citing statistics that reveal over 70% of Nigerians lack access to clean cooking fuel, while more than 50% do not have reliable electricity.
“These gaps present a significant opportunity for gas to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s energy landscape,” Kyari stated during his address on the theme, Africa’s Energy Renaissance: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Investors.
Kyari emphasized Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil and gas producer, underscoring the country’s vital role in the global energy market. He noted that despite ongoing transitions to renewable energy, oil will continue to contribute over 39% of global energy demand in 2025, with daily requirements exceeding 100 million barrels.
“At NNPC Ltd., we view gas not merely as a transitional fuel, but as a vital and sustainable alternative for the future,” he affirmed.
He further stressed that Nigeria is prioritizing infrastructure development, regulatory enhancements, and fiscal incentives to fully harness gas resources for national development.
Kyari also projected that robust gas infrastructure development would be key to driving a trillion-dollar economy in Nigeria. He reaffirmed NNPCL’s leadership in supplying gas to domestic industries and power plants while constructing critical infrastructure to support economic growth.
While attributing recent industry reforms to decisive leadership, Kyari highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on Oil & Gas as a catalyst for recent Final Investment Decisions (FIDs). He credited the policy with creating a favorable investment climate, which has encouraged both local and foreign stakeholders to commit to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“Today, investors are increasingly recognizing that investing in Nigeria offers not only strong returns but also a stable fiscal environment that ensures long-term profitability,” Kyari remarked.
The NNPC chief concluded by expressing optimism over renewed global investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector, reinforcing the country’s potential to become a dominant player in Africa’s natural gas market.
