The sleeping giant of African energy is awake, and its name is Natural Gas. NNPC Group CEO Bashir Ojulari has unequivocally declared that Nigeria’s gas reserves are the "cornerstone" of the continent’s future prosperity, positioning the resource as the engine for industrialization.

Speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) in Abuja, Ojulari laid out a bold vision. He argued that Nigeria is not just an oil nation but a "gas nation with some oil," holding the key to unlocking energy security for the entire region. With the global energy transition in full swing, Ojulari insists that gas is the critical bridge fuel that will power Africa’s development while the world moves towards net zero.

A Wealth of Resources

The numbers back up the ambition.Nigeria sits on a treasure trove of energy potential:

• Reserves: The country boasts over 209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, alongside 37 billion barrels of oil.
• Strategic Goals: The focus is now on monetizing these resources to fuel power plants, industries, and homes across West Africa.

The Industrial Imperative

"Gas is key to our prosperity," Ojulari told the delegates. His message is a clarion call for investment in infrastructure and technology.For too long, this resource has been flared or underutilized. Now, the NNPC is driving a strategy to turn gas into gold, promising a future where Nigeria lights up the continent and drives the African industrial revolution.