NNPC pledges support for indigenous capacity, reaffirms commitment to local content and gas development at SAIPEC 2026

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous capacity, deepening partnerships and positioning gas as a catalyst for Africa’s industrialisation.

Speaking at the 10th Sub-Saharan African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC 2026), Ojulari said the national oil company would continue to play a central role in advancing local content and supporting African-led growth in the energy sector.

“I’m confident that SAIPEC 2026 will be as ambitious and impactful as ever. The conversations you are driving, from gas development and investment, to looking at content, inclusion and youth development, speak directly to our realities,” he said.

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He stressed that NNPC Ltd remains committed to ensuring that Africa’s energy story is driven by creation, responsibility and opportunity, with indigenous participation at the core.

“At the NNPC, we remain committed to playing our part, strengthening partnerships, supporting indigenous capacity, advancing gas as a catalyst for industrialisation and ensuring that Africa’s energy story is one of creation, responsibility and opportunity,” Ojulari stated.

He further noted: “NNPC Ltd remains committed to playing its part in strengthening partnerships, supporting indigenous capacity, and advancing gas as a catalyst for industrialisation.”

Describing SAIPEC as a growing continental platform, Ojulari said: “In just ten years, SAIPEC has grown beyond the confines of a conference. It has become a powerful statement of African capability and proof that our continent can convene, collaborate, and compete at the highest global standards.”

He emphasised that Africa must move beyond being a follower in global energy conversations and instead assert itself as a credible leader, anchored on strong institutions, credible policies, capable indigenous companies and value-driven collaborations.

The Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, also underscored the rise of indigenous capacity across Africa’s energy value chain over the past decade.

“SAIPEC was conceived not just as a conference, but as a movement to amplify African capabilities and redefine our role in the global energy landscape,” Ogunsanya said.

He noted that indigenous companies in Nigeria have moved from basic service provision to delivering complex projects to international standards.

“PETAN members have evolved from service providers to strategic partners, delivering complex projects to international standards,” he stated.

According to him, indigenous firms now lead in drilling and well services, engineering, fabrication and construction, asset acquisition and field development, as well as technology deployment and innovation.

Ogunsanya maintained that sustaining this progress requires consistent policy implementation, access to financing, contract sanctity, timely project execution and stronger collaboration between operators and service companies.

He stressed that Africa’s immediate energy priorities remain access, affordability and reliability, noting that over 600 million Africans still lack electricity.

He argued that Africa’s transition should not translate into abandoning hydrocarbons but rather responsibly leveraging existing resources while integrating cleaner and renewable solutions over time.

“This confidence is built on: Regulatory clarity and stability; transparent processes; competitive fiscal frameworks and bankable projects,” he said, adding that the next decade must be defined by investment and execution.

On the regulatory front, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) signalled that a fresh licensing round would open in 2026, even as the 2025 bid round progresses with 50 oil and gas blocks on offer.

The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the regulator is concluding the 2024 bid round and advancing the 2025 round, while already preparing for 2026.

“The NUPRC is finalising the 2024 bid round. We will be getting the final awards any time soon. We are in the process of progressing the 2025 bid round. And we have a clear line of sight to the 2026 bid round. I don’t recall any time in my over 30 years in this industry that this rapidity of opening the industry is happening,” she said.

Eyesan stated that Africa’s share of global capital expenditure has risen significantly in recent years.

“Of the $520 billion projected in worldwide capital investment this year, Africa expects to attract between $48 billion and $50 billion, over 8 per cent of the total. This is a significant increase from previous years when it was below 4 per cent,” she noted.

She added that Nigeria launched the 2025 licensing round to facilitate resource access under a predictable and transparent framework established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“To facilitate resource access, Nigeria has launched the 2025 licensing round, offering 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains. This initiative reflects a targeted approach to responsible resource development. We invite capable investors to participate and help realise Nigeria’s promising upstream potential,” Eyesan stated.

She also highlighted the importance of domestic and regional capital formation.

“As we work to draw in more external investment, encouraging capital formation within Africa remains essential. Domestic capital brings stronger commitment and stability, creating more opportunities for development,” she said.

Collectively, the positions of NNPC Ltd, PETAN and NUPRC underscored a coordinated focus on strengthening indigenous capacity, accelerating investment, deepening regulatory clarity and positioning Nigeria and Africa as competitive and reliable energy destinations.