Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, has emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the oil and gas sector and academic institutions to tackle Nigeria’s growing energy challenges. Speaking during the 2024 faculty lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, Kyari addressed the theme “Energy Security, Sustainability, and Profitability in Nigeria.” He underscored the critical role universities like OAU play in advancing national energy security through research and active partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Kyari identified several key challenges facing the Nigerian oil and gas industry, including security issues, rapid population growth, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft. He highlighted the importance of energy conservation, diversification, and efficiency as vital strategies to enhance the country’s energy security. He also pointed out that addressing the rapid population growth in Nigeria is essential for formulating sustainable energy solutions that will benefit both current and future generations.
On the issue of pipeline vandalism and oil theft, Kyari discussed the NNPC’s initiative to establish a command-and-control center designed to improve the detection of illegal refinery operations and the dismantling of illegal pipeline connections. He shared that these efforts have led to the destruction of over 5,686 illegal refinery sites and the removal of 4,480 illegal connections since 2021, marking significant progress in reducing illegal activities in the sector.
Kyari also emphasized the role of academia in driving innovation for sustainable energy solutions. By fostering partnerships between academic institutions and the oil industry, Kyari believes that research and technological advancements can significantly contribute to Nigeria’s energy sufficiency goals. These collaborations, he said, could lead to breakthroughs that are pivotal to solving the nation’s energy crisis.
Furthermore, Kyari highlighted the strategic shift at NNPC following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, which transformed NNPC into a fully commercial energy company. The move to remove fuel subsidies has enabled NNPC to play a more commercially active role, ensuring profitability and delivering greater value to Nigeria’s growing population. As part of its expansion, NNPC has also acquired OVH retail stations and other associated infrastructure, strengthening its position as a key player in the region’s energy landscape.
