NNPC Ltd dismantling bottlenecks to self-sufficient refining sector in Africa — Ojulari

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has reiterated the company’s determination to remove structural barriers and establish a solid base for a self-reliant refining network across Africa.

Ojulari made this known while delivering a keynote address titled “Building an African Refinery Hub” at the Global Community Insights Conference on the West Africa Refined Fuel Market held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He explained that through a strategic overhaul of its refineries, equity participation in the Dangote Refinery, development of condensate opportunities, and support for other third-party projects, NNPC Ltd. is positioned to spearhead the continent’s transformation into a leading refining hub.

“NNPC Ltd. stands ready. Ready to co-create, co-invest, and co-lead in building an African refining ecosystem that is inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive,” Ojulari said.

He stressed that infrastructure integration, local ownership, and policy alignment remain crucial to advancing downstream reforms and creating a credible African reference market that strengthens energy security, lowers import dependence, and drives the continent’s industrial growth.

The GCEO acknowledged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for hosting the event and steering discussions towards achieving energy self-sufficiency for Africa.

Ojulari called on stakeholders to translate commitments into tangible outcomes, urging a shift “from declarations to delivery, from national ambition to regional execution and from fragmented development to system-scale transformation.”

He concluded, “Let us build, not just refineries, but a new backbone for Africa’s industrial age. Let us refine, not just crude, but the future of this continent. Let our actions reflect, not just today’s needs, but the enduring aspirations of generations yet unborn.”