In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, amidst the buzz of industry leaders and energy enthusiasts, the 2024 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF) came alive. Among the distinguished speakers was Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), whose words echoed the urgent need to bridge the energy access gap for the nation’s economic prosperity.
Kyari’s keynote address centered on the theme, “Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation, and Security,” highlighting NNPC’s commitment to revolutionizing Nigeria’s energy landscape. With a firm resolve, he emphasized that beyond fulfilling statutory obligations, NNPC’s mission was to ensure energy security that transcends mere fuel supply.
“At NNPC, we’re not just building pipelines; we’re laying the foundations of prosperity,” Kyari declared passionately. He outlined ambitious plans to invest in gas infrastructure, targeting a supply of at least 8 billion cubic meters to the domestic market. Among the flagship projects are the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipelines, poised to bolster the nation’s gas supply network.
But NNPC’s vision extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. Kyari unveiled plans to expand gas supply internationally, spearheaded by projects like the NLNG Train 7 and forthcoming initiatives such as Train 8 and floating LNG ventures. The message was clear: Nigeria’s abundant gas resources hold the key to economic prosperity, both at home and abroad.
As Kyari rallied support for the gas revolution, he invoked the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring a unified commitment to drive Nigeria’s energy agenda forward. The stage was set for collaboration and innovation, with stakeholders and investors poised to play pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s energy future.
Echoing Kyari’s sentiments, Engr. Salahuddeen Tahir, Chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, emphasized the indispensable role of energy in modern society. From transportation to healthcare, from banking services to communication, energy is the lifeblood that sustains essential services and drives progress.
Against the backdrop of climate change concerns, Tahir stressed the urgency of developing a diversified and sustainable energy transportation system. It was a call to action, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation and adaptability in the pursuit of energy security and environmental stewardship.
As the curtains closed on the 24th edition of the SPE OLEF, the echoes of optimism reverberated. In commemorating Nigeria’s oil and gas industry milestones, the forum served as a beacon of hope, charting a course towards a future where energy access knows no bounds, and economic prosperity is within reach for all.
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