Patrick Kelechi, Lagos
DAILY COURIER — NNPC Ltd. Group CEO, Mele Kyari, has outlined a comprehensive strategy for Nigeria's energy future, addressing the nation’s energy security challenges and debunking claims that NNPC is undermining domestic refinery operations.
Speaking at the 42nd Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Kyari highlighted the company's multi-faceted approach to enhancing Nigeria's energy stability, affordability, and sustainability.
In a keynote address at the event themed "Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability," Kyari underscored NNPC’s commitment to resolving the country’s energy challenges. He stated that the company is actively working to strengthen energy security by developing refining capacities, expanding retail and gas supply infrastructure, and collaborating with private refineries to stabilize the domestic market.
"The energy trilemma is a profound responsibility we shoulder as stewards of Nigeria's energy future," Kyari said. He revealed plans to launch 12 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother stations and mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants, which are expected to enhance the current 1.6 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas supplied daily to the domestic market.
Addressing recent speculation that NNPC Ltd. is sabotaging domestic refineries, Kyari clarified that NNPC has, in fact, invested heavily in domestic refining projects, including its part-ownership stake in the Dangote Refinery. “Such an investment is a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic fuel supply,” Kyari said, pointing out that NNPC’s involvement in the refinery aligns with its mandate to secure Nigeria’s energy needs.
The NNPC Ltd. leader emphasized the importance of infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, which are designed to support the country’s growing demand for cleaner energy alternatives, including LNG and CNG. These efforts, he noted, would not only boost domestic energy access but also facilitate economic growth and currency stabilization through innovative transactions like the Naira-for-crude initiative.
Kyari also praised President Tinubu's efforts to ease foreign exchange pressures by promoting local refining capacity and reducing reliance on fuel imports. He stressed that the development of local resources, combined with technology, collaboration, and innovative financing models, is crucial for achieving Nigeria's energy goals.
He further remarked, “Resolving the energy trilemma requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and collective determination. Together, let us build a Nigeria where energy is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all.”
NNPC Ltd. is slated to unveil additional projects over the next 3-6 months, including more CNG daughter stations and the expansion of its domestic gas distribution network. According to Kyari, these initiatives underscore NNPC’s role as a leading force in Nigeria’s energy sector, with investments that support local production, contribute to economic diversification, and advance the goals set out in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for NNPC Ltd., confirmed the company’s plans and reiterated that the initiatives are part of a broader vision for a sustainable and resilient Nigerian energy sector.
