Africa’s Gas Future: NNPC Ltd Takes Lead in Infrastructure Expansion – Mele Kyari

NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, highlighted Africa’s importance in the global energy landscape, with Nigeria standing out as the continent’s largest oil and gas producer.

At the 2025 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Kyari emphasized that oil will continue to play a vital role in the global energy mix, accounting for over 39% of global oil demand.

This underscores Nigeria’s significant position in meeting the world’s energy needs.

Persecondnews report that NIES aims to connect investors worldwide with Africa’s energy potential, with the theme “Bridging Continents: Connecting investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential.”

“Nigeria poised to take a leading role in unlocking the continent’s full potentials in terms of natural gas. The 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,” the GCEO said.

In a statement by Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the national oil company on Tuesday, Kyari highlighted the importance of gas in Nigeria’s energy landscape, stating that “At NNPC Ltd., we view gas not merely as a transitional fuel, but as a vital and sustainable alternative for the future.”

He said over 70% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to clean cooking fuel, and more than 50% remains without reliable access to electricity, presenting a significant opportunity for gas to play a transformative role.

“The NNPC Ltd is prioritizing the development of essential infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and fiscal incentives to harness gas for improving energy access and driving national development.”

Kyari attributed the reforms in the industry to President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on Oil and Gas, which provided fiscal incentives for ease of doing business.

“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 said.