By Ese Ufuoma
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges, focusing on ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable growth, and making energy more affordable.
Speaking at the opening of the ongoing Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos on Monday, Kyari highlighted the company’s efforts to tackle these critical issues. The event was themed “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability.”
Kyari, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, outlined plans to boost Nigeria’s domestic gas supply with the upcoming launch of 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Stations and Mini LNG Plants. This initiative will help enhance the current 1.6 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas supplied to the domestic market.
“The responsibility of resolving the energy trilemma is a significant one that we at NNPC Ltd take very seriously,” Kyari said. “We are working relentlessly to improve our supply chain, build new refining capacities, and expand our retail network.”
He further emphasized that NNPC Ltd is partnering with private refineries to ensure the consistent and affordable supply of petroleum products. Additionally, the company is exploring Naira for crude transactions to stabilize the local currency and regulate the foreign exchange market.
Kyari also highlighted key projects underway to improve Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipelines, along with the development of cleaner energy options like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and CNG.
At present, NNPC Ltd is supplying over 1.6 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day to the domestic market through infrastructure owned or operated with partners. This vast distribution network is fully managed by NNPC Ltd.
Looking ahead, Kyari revealed that the company will be expanding its efforts to improve domestic energy access, with new initiatives planned for the next 3-6 months. These include the establishment of additional CNG mother stations, mini-LNG plants, and CNG daughter stations.
He also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports and bolster local refining capacity, underscoring the importance of collaboration, technological innovation, and collective action in achieving the country’s energy objectives.
“Solving the energy trilemma requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and collective determination,” Kyari concluded. “Together, we can create a Nigeria where energy is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all.”
On NNPC Ltd’s mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act to ensure energy security, Kyari pointed to strategic partnerships and investments aimed at boosting local production and generating revenue for economic diversification.
Addressing concerns about NNPC Ltd’s impact on domestic refineries, Kyari clarified that the company is a part-owner of the Dangote Refinery, describing this investment as a strategic effort to strengthen the country’s domestic fuel supply.
