Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has stressed the importance of creating “bankable” energy projects to secure a sustainable energy future for Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Ojulari called on governments and industry stakeholders to collaborate on building an investment-friendly energy sector.
Ojulari, who also serves on the SPE Nigerian Council, highlighted that Africa must not only compete for global capital but also make a compelling case for the viability of its energy projects.
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He noted that a successful energy transition is as much about people as it is about resources.
The conference, themed ‘Building A Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy,’ provided a platform for Ojulari to advocate for decisive leadership in shaping the continent’s energy landscape.
He emphasised that the future of energy is not set in stone and will be determined by strong leadership and strategic investment.
According to Ojulari, the energy transition must be inclusive and involve strategic engagement both within Africa and globally.
He argued that these changes should not be imposed but rather negotiated, with a special focus on recognising natural gas as a crucial transitional fuel for the continent.
He stressed that hydrocarbons and natural gas must coexist to meet both current and future energy demands.
He also called for increased investment in STEM education, green initiatives, and youth empowerment.
Ojulari urged leaders to prioritise the needs of their people and youth in the energy transition narrative, aiming to meet not just today’s energy needs but also those of future generations.
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Earlier at the event, SPE Nigeria Council Chair Amina Danmadami echoed these sentiments, noting that a sustainable energy future requires a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, efficient supply chains, human resources, and supportive policies.
Danmadami, the first woman to hold the position, also called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders in the industry.
