Oluwafunbi Bello 
Delegates at the 10th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC 2026) in Lagos
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPC Ltd,) has renewed its commitment to strengthening continental partnerships and promoting natural gas as a catalyst for industrial development across Africa.
Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Bayo Ojulari, made the pledge on Tuesday at the 10th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, which adopted the theme “A Decade of Driving Africa’s Energy Future”, Mr Ojulari emphasised the importance of indigenous participation in shaping the continent’s energy landscape.
“NNPC Ltd remains committed to playing its part in strengthening partnerships, supporting indigenous capacity, and advancing gas as a catalyst for industrialisation,” he said.
Mr Ojulari praised the conference organisers for establishing what has become one of Africa’s premier energy platforms within a single decade.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond passive participation in global energy discussions and position Africa as a credible leader in the sector.
“It should speak to an Africa that is no longer a content follower, but a real and reliable leader,” Mr Ojulari said.
Mr Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, called for enhanced continental cooperation to build a competitive African energy sector.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services at NCDMB, Mr Ogbe emphasised the need to leverage the Brazzaville Accord for regulatory harmonisation and sectoral cooperation.
He highlighted the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank under the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, in partnership with Afreximbank, as a critical initiative for mobilising capital and providing affordable financing for energy projects across the continent.
Mr Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, noted that despite the global energy transition, Africa’s primary challenge remained ensuring energy access, affordability, and reliability for its population.
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Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Otamere Gladness