Kyari Highlights Energy Transition, Efficiency, and Renewables as Key to Africa’s Sustainable Future
At the recently concluded Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, emphasized Africa’s critical role in ensuring energy availability, affordability, and sustainability to drive economic growth.
Africa’s Energy Potential and the Need for Transition
Speaking to delegates, Kyari underscored Sub-Saharan Africa’s strategic advantage in leveraging its oil and gas industry to meet energy demands, guarantee supply, and reduce import dependency. He noted that while the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving, one truth remains constant—energy is fundamental to human development and quality of life.
“To redefine the energy landscape for a sustainable future, we must focus on energy transition, efficiency, investment, cost optimization, gas infrastructure, and renewable energy development,” Kyari stated. He added that policy and regulatory support, regional collaboration, technology, and research will be key enablers in Africa’s energy transformation.
Nigeria’s Decade of Gas and Infrastructure Development
Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative (2021-2030), aimed at transitioning the nation towards a gas-powered economy. With natural gas positioned as a major source of power generation, NNPC Ltd. is heavily investing in critical gas infrastructure to support domestic utilization and economic expansion.
Key gas infrastructure projects include:
- Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline
- OB3 Gas Interconnector
- 5 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/d) gas utilization plan
- 5GW power generation capacity development along the AKK pipeline corridor
Balancing Energy Transition and Market Realities
While acknowledging the growing role of renewable energy, Kyari stressed that oil and gas will remain a dominant component of the global energy mix for at least the next 50 years. However, to achieve success in Africa’s energy sector, there must be a balance between energy transition, market realities, and energy security, which will be driven by:
- Strengthening local content and indigenous capacity
- Expanding regional cooperation and collaboration
- Enhancing refining capacity and sustainability initiatives
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Expanding Gas Export Markets
On Nigeria’s gas export market, Kyari pointed to the ongoing NLNG Train 7 project, which will increase Nigeria’s LNG production capacity to 30 million tons per annum (30 MTPA). Additionally, the Nigerian-Morocco Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline projects will enhance gas supply to regional African markets and Europe.
The Path Forward
Kyari concluded by reinforcing NNPCL’s commitment to driving Africa’s energy future, ensuring a mix of clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources. With strategic investments in infrastructure, increased refining capacity, and regional partnerships, Africa is poised to redefine its energy landscape for a sustainable and prosperous future.
