The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele K. Kyari, has said that there is need for increased collaboration and investment to build a resilient and sustainable energy future for Africa.
Speaking at the 9th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), Kyari stated Africa’s crucial role in ensuring energy availability, affordability, and sustainability.
He said, “With the continent’s growing population, energy demand is set to rise significantly. To meet these needs, we must focus on energy transition, efficiency, investment, and innovation while leveraging indigenous resources,” Kyari stated.
He reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, referencing projects like the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the OB3 gas interconnector.
These initiatives are expected to support 5 billion standard cubic feet per day of domestic gas utilization and contribute 5GW of power generation capacity.
Kyari also underscored Nigeria’s push towards cleaner energy sources, noting that the country’s “Decade of Gas” initiative (2021-2030) aims to position natural gas as a key driver of industrialization.
Adding that the ongoing projects like NLNG Train 7 and the Nigerian-Morocco and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipelines will expand Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and enhance regional energy security.
“Balancing energy transition, market realities, and energy security requires strategic investment, local content development, and stronger regional partnerships,” Kyari said, calling on stakeholders to work together to advance Africa’s energy sector.
