Nigeria’s push for stable energy supply and economic resilience received a fresh boost as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.
At the heart of the meeting was a renewed commitment by both institutions to reinforce collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, boosting oil and gas production, expanding refining capacity, and attracting critical investments into the sector.
The engagement comes at a time when Nigeria faces mounting pressure to stabilise fuel supply, optimise gas resources, and ensure a balanced energy mix capable of powering industries and households amid rising demand.
Speaking during the visit, Ojulari emphasised that NNPC Ltd.’s strategy is rooted in disciplined execution and operational excellence, noting that profitability remains central to its commercial mandate. He explained that the newly launched 2026 Gas Master Plan represents a deliberate intervention to stimulate increased gas off-take, unlock midstream and downstream opportunities, and deepen value creation across the energy value chain.
According to him, expanding domestic gas utilisation is not only an economic imperative but also a strategic pathway to cleaner energy transition, industrial growth, and job creation. The plan is expected to support enhanced infrastructure development, drive investment confidence, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the regional energy market.
Responding, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to sustained partnership with NNPC Ltd., pledging regulatory support for initiatives that guarantee long-term energy security.
He commended the launch of the 2026 Gas Master Plan, describing gas as Nigeria’s cleaner transition fuel. However, he stressed that a balanced energy mix remains essential to meeting the country’s expanding energy demand, particularly as population growth and industrialisation intensify pressure on supply systems.
The renewed collaboration signals a strategic alignment between operator and regulator at a critical time for Nigeria’s energy landscape. With ongoing reforms and increased scrutiny around efficiency and transparency, the partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the Federal Government’s mandate of higher oil production, expanded refining capacity, and sustainable energy development.
Industry analysts note that closer synergy between NNPC Ltd. and NMDPRA could improve regulatory certainty, accelerate project approvals, and strengthen investor confidence—key ingredients for repositioning Nigeria as a stable and competitive energy destination in Africa.
As the country navigates the dual challenge of energy transition and domestic supply security, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these renewed commitments translate into tangible outcomes for businesses and consumers alike.
