At the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, emphasized Africa’s growing importance in the global energy landscape, with Nigeria leading as the continent’s largest oil and gas producer.
Kyari highlighted that oil remains essential, making up over 39% of global energy demand, reinforcing Nigeria’s critical role in meeting global energy needs.
The summit, themed:
“Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential,” aims to attract global investors to Africa’s energy sector, positioning Nigeria as a leader in unlocking the continent’s natural gas potential.
In a statement by Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Kyari emphasized gas as a sustainable solution, not just a transition fuel:
“At NNPC Ltd., we view gas not merely as a transitional fuel, but as a vital and sustainable alternative for the future.”
He noted the stark energy access gap:
- 70% of Nigerians lack access to clean cooking fuel.
- Over 50% don’t have reliable electricity.
To address this, NNPC Ltd. is focusing on:
- Infrastructure development for gas distribution.
- Regulatory frameworks and fiscal incentives to attract investment.
- Expanding domestic gas use for industries and power generation.
Kyari credited the industry’s progress to President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on Oil and Gas, which introduced fiscal incentives to boost investor confidence:
“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.”
