NNPC calls for continental partnership to build African fuel refining hub

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has called for a unified continental approach to developing a robust fuel refining hub in Africa, emphasizing that the responsibility should not rest on any one country alone.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, made this appeal on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the Global Commodity Insights Conference on the West African Refined Fuel Market, held in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Building an African Fuel Refining Hub”, Ojulari described the topic as “timely” and reflective of the global convergence shaping the future of energy. He called on stakeholders to embrace a spirit of cooperation and strategic alignment, rather than pursue isolated or unilateral actions.

“I encourage us to choose collaboration over exclusion,” Ojulari said. “According to EAI, global energy demand is expected to rise by over 25 percent by 2040, and Africa will play a significant role in both demand and energy usage.”

Highlighting the structural inefficiencies within the continent’s energy framework, Ojulari noted that while Africa exports the majority of its crude oil, it remains heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum products, often at substantial cost.

“These structural asymmetries deplete value, suppress industrialisation, increase supply vulnerabilities, and compromise energy sovereignty,” he added.

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“The vision of an African refining hub is not merely aspirational; it is essential. But vision without execution is hallucination.”

Ojulari identified several key barriers that must be addressed, including chronic underinvestment in refining infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, fragmented markets, limited skills development, and a lack of coherent local industrial strategies. However, he insisted that these obstacles, though significant, are not insurmountable.

“These challenges are catalytic opportunities if met with coordinated actions, bold investments, and resolute leadership.”

Yet, Ojulari cautioned that national efforts, no matter how ambitious, will not be sufficient without broader continental coordination.

“No single country can build a refining hub for Africa. Success demands a continental strategy, driven by shared markets, integrated infrastructure, and harmonised policies.”

The conference brought together regional and international stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, including policymakers, regulators, investors, and technical experts, all of whom echoed the need for synergy in meeting Africa’s growing energy needs.

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