NNPC Ltd Leads Africa’s Gas Infrastructure Expansion at NIES 2025, Highlights Tinubu’s Reforms as Key Driver for Investment
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, has declared that Africa is poised to become the next frontier for global energy investment, with Nigeria at the forefront of this transformation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Kyari emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role as Africa’s largest oil and gas producer and outlined the country’s ambitious plans to expand gas infrastructure to meet both domestic and global energy demands.
Under the theme “Africa’s Energy Renaissance: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Investors,” Kyari highlighted the critical role of gas in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and addressing energy poverty across the continent. He noted that oil will remain a significant component of the global energy mix, contributing over 39% of global demand by 2025, with daily consumption exceeding 100 million barrels. However, he stressed that gas is not just a transitional fuel but a sustainable solution for Africa’s energy future.
Gas as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation
Kyari pointed out that over 70% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to clean cooking fuel, while more than 50% remain without reliable electricity. These gaps, he said, present a unique opportunity for gas to play a transformative role in improving energy access and driving national development. “At NNPC Ltd., we view gas not merely as a transitional fuel, but as a vital and sustainable alternative for the future,” Kyari stated.
He explained that Nigeria is prioritizing the development of essential infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and fiscal incentives to harness its vast gas resources. This includes expanding domestic gas utilization for industries and power plants, as well as building the necessary infrastructure to support economic growth. “Nigeria is poised to take a leading role in unlocking the continent’s full potential in terms of natural gas. NNPC Ltd is leading the charge in delivering gas to domestic gas-based industries and power plants, while building the needed infrastructure to ultimately bolster economic growth,” Kyari added.
Tinubu’s Reforms Boost Investor Confidence
Kyari credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating a conducive environment for investment in the oil and gas sector. He highlighted the impact of the President’s Executive Order on Oil & Gas, which provided fiscal incentives to attract investors and streamline operations. “Many Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) announced recently were a direct result of President Tinubu’s reforms, which have created a stable fiscal environment for long-term profitability,” Kyari said.
He noted that global investors are increasingly recognizing Nigeria as a prime destination for energy investments, citing the country’s strategic location, abundant resources, and improved regulatory framework. “Today, investors are increasingly recognizing that investing in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector, offers not only the potential for solid returns but also a stable fiscal environment that promises long-term profitability,” Kyari stated.
NIES 2025: Bridging Continents for Energy Investment
The 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit, themed “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,” serves as a platform to showcase Africa’s energy opportunities to global stakeholders. Kyari emphasized that the summit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering partnerships and attracting investments to drive the continent’s energy renaissance.
Kyari’s address resonated with the summit’s focus on unlocking Africa’s energy potential, with gas infrastructure development identified as a key driver for achieving a trillion-dollar economy in Nigeria. He reiterated NNPC Ltd’s commitment to leading the charge in expanding gas infrastructure, ensuring energy security, and positioning Nigeria as a global energy hub.
A New Era for Africa’s Energy Sector
As Africa’s energy sector undergoes a renaissance, Nigeria’s leadership in gas infrastructure development is expected to catalyze economic growth, reduce energy poverty, and attract significant global investment. With NNPC Ltd at the helm of this transformation, supported by President Tinubu’s reforms, the future of Africa’s energy landscape looks promising, offering immense opportunities for investors and stakeholders worldwide.
The NIES 2025 summit continues to highlight Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s energy future, bridging continents, and connecting global investors with the continent’s vast energy potential.
