Nigeria top destination for oil and gas investment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) declared, as it urged international investors to seize opportunities in the country’s vast energy resources.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari, made the call on Tuesday during the Energy Talk session at the 2025 Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy. The statement was released by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on September 9.

Ojulari explained that the Federal Government was seeking increased foreign investment to expand energy infrastructure, boost industrialisation, and strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global energy market.

“We require additional investments to build infrastructure that will power Nigeria’s transportation sector with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG),” Ojulari said.

Untapped Oil & Gas Potential

Speaking further, Ojulari revealed that Nigeria’s crude oil reserves hold huge untapped potential for investors.

• The country currently produces about 1.7 million barrels per day but has the capacity for much more.
• There are over 200 undeveloped oil fields awaiting strategic investments.
• Beyond crude, Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves are central to the nation’s industrial growth strategy.

Cleaner, Sustainable Energy Projects

Ojulari also highlighted NNPC’s ongoing initiatives to align with global clean energy standards.

• Major carbon capture projects are being implemented to reduce emissions.
• Investments in energy efficiency and reduced gas flaring are underway, meeting the expectations of financing partners.
• Strategic projects like the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the NLNG Train 7 project are already in advanced stages.

Gas and LPG: Nigeria’s Transition Strategy

Nigeria’s energy transition, according to the NNPC boss, is built around natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):

• Gas as the fuel of choice for industrialisation.
• LPG as affordable, clean cooking fuel for millions of households.

“Our priority is eradicating energy poverty. Over six million Africans lack access to clean energy, and Nigeria is committed to bridging that gap,” Ojulari added.

The 2025 Gastech Conference gathered more than 50,000 professionals and 1,000 exhibitors from 150 countries, cementing its position as one of the world’s largest forums for shaping the future of global energy.

For Nigeria, the event was not just a platform to showcase opportunities, but also a strong signal to investors that the country is open for business and ready to lead Africa’s energy transition.

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