Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has urged African countries to focus on developing bankable energy projects as a strategy to attract capital and secure a sustainable energy future.
Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), currently ongoing in Lagos, Ojulari emphasized that Africa must not only compete for global investment but also demonstrate why its energy prospects are worth the risk.
“Governments and stakeholders must co-create an industry that is attractive for investments,” Ojulari said. “The energy transition is not just about resources—it’s about the people.”
Ojulari, who also serves on the board of the SPE Nigerian Council, called for bold and visionary leadership, stressing that Africa’s energy future will be shaped by the decisions made today.
“The future of energy is not linear, nor is it predetermined,” he noted. “It must be inclusive, people-centered, and based on strategic cross-border collaboration.”
Themed “Building A Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy,” the conference brought together key industry players, policymakers, and experts from across the continent.
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Ojulari further advocated for recognition of natural gas as a transitional fuel for Africa, while encouraging investments in STEM education, green initiatives, partnerships, and youth empowerment.
“Energy transition must not be imposed. It must be negotiated in a way that allows hydrocarbons and natural gas to co-exist while we chart a path for the future,” he said.
Earlier, Amina Danmadami, the first female Chair of the SPE Nigerian Council, highlighted the need for a holistic approach to achieving a sustainable energy future—one that embraces technology, efficient supply chains, human capital, and effective policy.
She also underscored the importance of collaboration across the industry to align national interests with global sustainability goals.