NNPC Strengthens Strategic Partnerships At CERAWeek 2026 To Boost Upstream Growth

NNPC Strengthens Strategic Partnerships at CERAWeek 2026 to Boost Upstream Growth The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has intensified efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with global energy stakeholders at the ongoing CERAWeek 2026 conference in Houston, United States, as part of a broader push to unlock Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas potential. Leading Nigeria’s delegation, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, engaged in high-level discussions with international oil companies (IOCs), investors, and industry leaders, focusing on deepening collaboration to drive investment, improve production, and enhance project execution across the upstream sector. Speaking at the global energy forum, Ojulari emphasised that strong partnerships remain central to unlocking Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources, noting that collaboration with established global players such as Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies and Eni is already yielding renewed investor confidence and project commitments. “Capital goes where value is clear, and Nigeria has that value,” the NNPC GCEO stated, underscoring the country’s improved investment climate driven by regulatory reforms and enhanced operational efficiency. He explained that NNPC’s strategy is anchored on commercial discipline, competitive fiscal frameworks, and strengthened alliances, all aimed at de-risking investments and accelerating the development of both oil and gas assets, particularly in deepwater and gas-rich basins. The engagements at CERAWeek also highlighted Nigeria’s growing role as a reliable global energy supplier, with improved security in oil-producing regions and reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) contributing to a more stable and investor-friendly environment. NNPC further noted that recent portfolio reviews and restructuring efforts have positioned the company to implement strategic changes focused on timely project delivery, cost efficiency, and value maximisation, critical factors for sustaining upstream growth. In addition, the company spotlighted opportunities in Nigeria’s vast gas reserves estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet with ongoing initiatives to expand LNG capacity, develop gas infrastructure, and support industrialisation through gas-based projects Industry observers at the conference noted that Nigeria’s renewed push for partnerships comes at a time of shifting global energy dynamics, with increasing demand for diversified supply sources positioning the country as an attractive destination for long-term energy investments. The strategic engagements at CERAWeek 2026 reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attract investment, boost crude oil production, and transform Nigeria into a major player in the global energy market, in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.