Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., has intensified efforts to attract fresh investment into the country’s oil and gas sector, using the platform of the ongoing African Energy Week, AEW, to push for stronger collaborations and upstream expansion.
At the NOC/IOC Business Roundtable, co-hosted with the African Energy Chamber, NNPC Ltd. delegation led by its Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udy Ntia, engaged senior government officials, industry leaders, and investors to advance trade, infrastructure financing, and energy partnerships across Africa.
Ntia stressed that Nigeria was ready for a new wave of upstream investment, anchored on transparency, partnership, and reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
“Our message is simple: Nigeria is open for business,” Ntia declared.
“We are committed to strengthening partnerships, enhancing transparency, and ensuring an enabling environment where capital can thrive. With the Petroleum Industry Act now in place, we are providing clarity, stability, and incentives for long-term investment.”
The session, attended by senior African policymakers and international oil companies, IOCs, reinforced NNPC Ltd.’s central role in convening energy stakeholders and shaping the continent’s pathway to energy security.
At a separate “Invest in Nigeria” panel, Ntia joined other African energy leaders and investors to highlight Nigeria’s vast reserves and untapped opportunities.
He said the country remained one of the most attractive upstream investment destinations on the continent, with a pipeline of projects designed to boost output and revenues.
“Unlocking new reserves, deepening exploration, and driving sustainable growth are at the heart of our strategy,” Ntia explained. “Nigeria holds abundant hydrocarbon resources, and we are determined to develop them in a way that balances economic growth with sustainability and the energy transition.”
NNPC Ltd. also used the AEW platform to reaffirm its alignment with the African Energy Transition Roadmap, stressing that Nigeria’s energy future would require both hydrocarbons and renewables to deliver sustainable solutions.
“Energy transition in Africa must be pragmatic and inclusive. We will continue to mobilize technical expertise, attract investments, and pursue projects that deliver energy today while preparing for the cleaner energy mix of tomorrow.”
“Nigeria cannot walk this journey alone. Collaboration is the key. Together with our African and global partners, we can build a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.”
The roundtable discussions emphasized regional cooperation, with NNPC Ltd. positioning itself as a driver of African energy integration. By promoting cross-border infrastructure projects, the company said it aimed to reduce supply gaps, strengthen energy trade, and support shared prosperity.
Nigeria’s push for upstream investment comes at a pivotal time, as global capital for fossil fuel projects is shrinking amid energy transition pressures. However, the PIA’s fiscal incentives and NNPC Ltd.’s renewed focus on partnerships could make the difference.
