Abuja: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the largest partner to all oil-producing companies in Nigeria, has assured that its role in the divestment of international oil companies from onshore and shallow water assets in the country is that of a facilitator and not an obstacle.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the Nigerian International Energy Summit 2024 (NIES 2024) held at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mele Kyari clarified NNPC Ltd’s stance.
Kyari stated that NNPC Ltd., by virtue of its statutory mandate as the enabler of national energy security, aims to ensure optimal and sustainable production from divested assets to guarantee energy security for Nigerians.
Additionally, Kyari disclosed NNPC Ltd.’s willingness to invest in the proposed African Energy Bank to ensure sustainable funding for energy projects across Africa.
Regarding investment in energy infrastructure, Kyari highlighted the progress of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben Pipeline, noting that tunnelling across the River Niger is currently underway.
He assured stakeholders of NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to collaborate with them to close the energy deficit gap and create prosperity for Nigerians, predicting that indications suggest energy scarcity in the country will be resolved within the next 10 years.
The event witnessed the presence of key industry and governmental figures, including Haitham al-Ghais, Secretary-General of OPEC; Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization; Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; and Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, representing Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
