By Ayomide Otitoju
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s attractiveness to global investors, stating that the country’s strong fundamentals and clear value proposition position it as a key destination for energy capital.
Speaking at CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, Ojulari said Nigeria’s energy strategy is anchored on realism, partnerships, and disciplined execution, amid evolving global energy dynamics.
“Capital goes where value is clear, and Nigeria has that value,” he said, noting that the country is balancing immediate energy needs with long-term transition goals.
Ojulari emphasised that Africa’s reliance on hydrocarbons for revenue makes sustained upstream investment critical, while Nigeria’s vast gas reserves—estimated at over 600 trillion cubic feet—offer significant opportunities for industrialisation and energy security.
He highlighted the role of policy stability, improved infrastructure security, and strategic partnerships in strengthening investor confidence, adding that the government’s reforms have enabled NNPC to pursue commercially viable and sustainable solutions.
The NNPC chief noted that the Petroleum Industry Act has enhanced regulatory certainty, while ongoing investments are addressing infrastructure gaps and boosting operational security. He also stressed the importance of partnerships with international oil companies such as Shell and Eni, particularly in deepwater projects.
On gas development, Ojulari said the focus has shifted to execution, with emphasis on commercial pricing, critical infrastructure such as the AKK pipeline, and bankable contracts to attract investment. He added that Nigeria is adopting a portfolio optimisation approach to balance domestic supply needs with liquefied natural gas exports.
Ojulari further outlined a strategic transition from resource ownership to resource monetisation, stressing that unlocking Nigeria’s untapped reserves will depend on competitive fiscal frameworks and strong collaboration with global partners.
CERAWeek 2026, hosted by S&P Global, is holding from March 23 to 27 in Houston, bringing together thousands of global energy leaders to discuss the intersection of energy, technology, and geopolitics
