Our Reporter, Abuja
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, yesterday delivered the opening address at the 2025 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy,” Engr. Ojulari underscored the need for a balanced and Africa-focused approach to the global energy transition.
“The energy transition must not be imposed; it must be negotiated, it must be contextualised, and it must be judged,” Ojulari asserted, stressing that Africa must define its own energy future by improving governance, enforcing contracts, and embracing transparent leadership.
He identified natural gas as a key transitional fuel for the continent and advocated for increased investment in clean cooking solutions. He also called for channeling hydrocarbon revenues into renewable energy, infrastructure, and education to guarantee energy justice and inclusive growth across Africa.
Ojulari further emphasised collaborative stewardship among stakeholders to attract sustainable investment, spur innovation, and equip the next generation with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“Let us empower our youth to see the energy sector not just as a place of infrastructure but as a space of innovation, inclusion, and global relevance,” he concluded.
The annual NAICE conference is a premier gathering of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, providing a platform for dialogue on sustainable practices and technological advancements shaping the future of energy.
