Nigeria, Africa Must Define Their Own Energy Transition Path – NNPCL GCEO

Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has called on Nigeria and other African countries to chart their own unique energy transition pathways—tailored to their local needs, resources, and socio-economic realities—rather than adopting externally imposed models.

Ojulari delivered this message virtually at the 2025 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy.”

“We must recognize the future of energy is neither linear nor pre-determined; it is shaped by the decisions we make, and how we intentionally engage, strategically invest, and boldly embrace innovations,” Ojulari stated.

“Energy transition must not be imposed; it must be contextualised, just, and negotiated. Many of our people are yet to attain basic energy access.”

Africa’s Complex Energy Challenges

Ojulari acknowledged the multi-dimensional challenges Africa faces, including:

• Climate change and environmental vulnerabilities

• Capital flight and investment shortfalls

• Technology gaps and innovation deficits

• Infrastructure fragility and supply disruptions

He emphasized that these challenges cannot be tackled in isolation, calling for inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, financiers, civil society organizations, and Africa’s emerging innovators.

Pathways to a Just Transition

To balance climate commitments with energy needs, Ojulari recommended a deliberate embrace of strategic innovations, including:

• Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS)

• Hydrogen technologies

• AI-driven exploration and automation

• Smart grids and modular gas solutions

“Such innovation must be embraced not as buzzwords but as strategic enablers that allow us to reach net-zero targets without compromising access to reliable energy for both industrial and residential use.”

He further emphasized the importance of strong governance, contract sanctity, and regulatory efficiency to attract long-term investments, proposing the use of:

• Blended finance

• Climate-resilient funds

• Petroleum revenues to promote:

  • Clean cooking technologies

  • Decarbonization of heavy industries

  • Accelerated renewable energy rollout

Investing in Youth and STEM for a Resilient Future

Ojulari reaffirmed that the energy transition is fundamentally about people, not just fuel or infrastructure:

“The future cannot be achieved without the hearts and minds of the young ones. We need the innovators of tomorrow to understand the energy narrative, to shape it, and to lead it.”

He called for greater investment in STEM education, skills development, and youth empowerment to ensure Africa’s next generation is equipped to lead the transformation.

A Call for Bold, Cooperative Action

Concluding his speech, Ojulari issued a powerful call for continental solidarity and shared ownership of Africa’s energy transition:

“Let us put in partnership, mobilise capital and embrace technology. Let us lead the energy transition on our terms, in our context, with our people at the centre.

This is the moment to act—not to hesitate. We must act with conviction and in cooperation. Together, we can build an industry that is not only profitable but purposeful, not only efficient but enduring, not only relevant but revolutionary.”