The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, has called for partnership among African nations as hydrocarbon discoveries spread among the countries in the continent.
Kyari who was speaking in Lagos at the 7th edition of SAIPEC with the theme “Harnessing a Sustainable African Energy Industry through Partnerships”, said in the 20 years, energy demand in Africa is expected to increase in the order of 30-35% to support the projected increase in population and industrialization, hence, the urgent need to form partnerships across the continent and build a sustainable future.
“As I have always canvassed, decreasing investments in hydrocarbon ventures cannot guarantee global energy security in the near future. Rather, an inclusive policy that guarantees access to finance and low-carbon technologies are key to sustaining global energy security and equitable growth.
Nigeria, being geographically situated in the sub-African region and also a foremost leader in the oil and gas industry in sub-Saharan Africa, we must now capitalize on the advancements we have made in the industry to meet our energy demands, guarantee energy supply, expand our economies and overall build a sustainable future for millions of people beyond our shores”
Kyari said need for partnership is more reinforced as more African countries continue to make hydrocarbon discoveries.
“We should collaborate and share knowledge and help each other in critical areas including technology, exploration and production, research and development, technical expertise and human capacity development to spread the wealth within the continent. This would in no small measure assist in achieving energy independence and also aid the transition to cleaner energy sources such as gas to sustain the region”
He said the new era of automation and artificial intelligence is focused on the application of cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of robotic drilling systems for unmanned operations, the deployment of cognitive computing in upstream operations, specialized sensors for real-time monitoring and maximization of reservoir yields.
“Our survival instincts showed that we have the requisite knowledge and skills to sustain our industry and take it to the next level. However, we know we cannot do it alone; thus, we call on your support at this forum to latch on to the gains made so far, interact, and provide meaningful solutions that will promote the sector and make our lives better”, he explained
