NNPCL Chief Executive Tasks African Countries On Innovation, Technology, Cross-Border Alliances

… Africa, according to Ojulari, faces “complex, interrelated challenges,”in including “climate change, capital flight, technology gaps and supply disruptions – Ojulari

By Emmanuel Oduara

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mr Bayo Ojulari has tasked African countries on technology, innovation and regional alliances in order address the region’s challenges.
Africa, according to Ojulari, faces “complex, interrelated challenges,” including “climate change, capital flight, technology gaps and supply disruptions.”
These challenges, according to Ojulari, cannot be tackled in isolation but through “bold leadership” and “shared responsibilities.”

Delivering a keynote address at the ongoing Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos, Ojulari averred that “many of our people are yet to attain basic energy access, adding that “our people need energy, and our approach must be balanced and anchored on energy justice.”

The conference, themed: Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy” has attracted delegates and stakeholders from the the energy, oil and gas sector across the country.

According to him, “we must recognise that the future of energy is neither linear nor predetermined; it is shaped by decisions we make and how we intentionally engage, strategically invest, and boldly embrace innovation.
He insisted that “Energy must be repositioned as an inclusive energy future,” adding that “Energy transition must not be imposed; it must be contextualised – just and negotiated.”
“We have ourselves at a critical reflection point where the imperative of energy security, environmental sustainability and economic development must be reconciled.” Ojulari maintained.

The NNPC GCEO explained further explained: “For us in Nigeria and in the Middle East, this means strengthening cross-sector and cross-border alliances to secure access to energy and affordable investments, not just for oil and gas infrastructure, but for emerging technologies that will define the next chapter of our economy.

“This includes carbon capture, utilisation and storage, hydrogen development, AI-enabled exploration and smart grid systems, modular and mobile gas solutions for which we are already seeing a lot of impact with CNGs across the country. Such innovations must be embraced, not as buzzwords, but as strategic enablers that will allow us to meet our next global commitment without compromising energy access or industrial competitiveness.”