Nigeria's Energy Ambitions: A Bold Vision for 2027 and Beyond
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has a powerful message for the world: they aim to produce 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2027, and they're not doing it alone. This ambitious target, announced at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025), is just the tip of the iceberg. But here's where it gets controversial—the NNPC is calling for a global effort to combat energy poverty in Africa, and they're putting their money where their mouth is.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, shed light on Nigeria's pivotal role in Africa's energy landscape. With a current oil output of 1.7 million barrels per day, the NNPC is already making strides. The company's strategy involves strengthening relationships with independent oil companies, removing historical barriers, and focusing on shared value. This approach aims to reach the 2 million bpd goal by 2027 and an impressive 3 million bpd in the long term.
And this is the part most people miss: the NNPC isn't just talking the talk; they're walking the walk. They've committed to attracting a staggering $30 to $60 billion in fresh investment by 2030, working hand-in-hand with OPEC, African NOCs, and financial institutions. The company is leveraging new government incentives, going beyond the Petroleum Industry Act, to attract capital for deep-water exploration, dry gas development, and cost-cutting measures.
Nigeria's energy initiatives are impressive, to say the least. These include the revival of upstream operations through accelerated field development, expansion of gas infrastructure with the near-completed Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipelines, and the adoption of cleaner energy solutions like the Presidential CNG Initiative. And that's not all—the NNPC is also committed to diversifying Nigeria's economy under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming the nation into an investment-driven energy hub.
Ojulari's words resonate with a clear message: "Africa's energy future demands pragmatism, partnerships, and purpose." He urges global stakeholders to join hands with NNPC, emphasizing that the company is not merely participating in the energy transition but actively shaping it from an African perspective. The focus is on growing production, monetizing gas, fostering partnerships, and delivering value to both Nigerians and global partners.
Echoing the sentiments of UAE Minister of Industry and ADNOC CEO, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Ojulari calls for pragmatic energy policies and highlights the need for a massive $4 trillion in annual global energy investment. He invites the world to co-invest in Africa's energy transformation, signaling that Nigeria is open for business and NNPC is ready for the future.
The NNPC's presence at ADIPEC 2025 is a testament to its evolution into a commercially-driven, globally-engaged energy powerhouse. As one of the world's largest energy exhibitions, ADIPEC provides the perfect platform for NNPC to showcase its commitment to global partnerships and sustainable investment. The event, hosted by ADNOC, emphasizes energy, intelligence, and impact, themes that align perfectly with NNPC's vision.
In a closed-door session at the prestigious Global Oil Club, Ojulari reiterated the urgency of addressing energy poverty in Africa. He advocated for co-investment strategies to mitigate risks in energy infrastructure development and unlock shared prosperity. This inclusive approach, he believes, is key to building Africa's energy future.
So, what does this mean for the future of energy in Africa? The NNPC's bold vision and global collaboration efforts signal a potential paradigm shift in the continent's energy landscape. But is this ambitious plan achievable? Will global stakeholders answer the call to co-invest in Africa's energy future? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's explore the possibilities together.
