\n Speaking at the opening of the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 in Abuja, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said Nigeria has both the responsibility and capacity to use its gas resources to support Africa\u2019s economic rise while contributing to global energy stability.\n <\/p>\n
\n Ojulari described natural gas as central to Nigeria\u2019s long-term economic strategy, noting that it serves as both a cleaner transition fuel and a driver of industrial expansion.\n <\/p>\n
\n \u201cGas sits at the heart of our strategy. It is our bridge to a cleaner future, our engine for industrialisation, and our foundation for export-led growth,\u201d he said.\n <\/p>\n
\n According to Ojulari, Africa\u2019s energy transition must be tailored to its development realities rather than mirror pathways taken by advanced economies.\n <\/p>\n
\n \u201cWith over 600 million Africans still lacking electricity, the continent\u2019s priority cannot be a copy and paste. Ours must be a just, equitable, people-centred energy transition that lifts people out of poverty and powers industries,\u201d he said.\n <\/p>\n
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\n Nigeria, he added, is well placed to lead this effort, with proven reserves of about 37 billion barrels of crude oil and 209 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Ojulari said NNPC Ltd sees its role as extending beyond commercial returns to supporting economic stability and prosperity across the region.\n <\/p>\n