Recent opinion pieces have challenged the trajectory of Nigeria’s energy sector and the policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, these critiques often overlook the significant progress made by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the current administration. A review of verifiable data and ongoing projects reveals a different, more positive story regarding Nigeria’s energy future.
Over the past three years, the government has focused on shifting the nation from an importer of petroleum products to a regional energy hub. Key initiatives, such as the Decade of Gas and the Presidential CNG and E-vehicle programs, aim to boost gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. This strategy has already attracted over $60 billion in investments. The NNPC Gas Master Plan, launched in early 2026, serves as the operational roadmap, with more than 50% of the year’s development targets already met.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of this growth. Partnerships with the Dangote Group and major international companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni have strengthened the value chain. Notably, the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), supported by a formal intergovernmental treaty, represents a major step in connecting regional gas resources to both African and European markets. This project builds on the proven success of the West African Gas Pipeline.
Furthermore, the approach to refinery maintenance has evolved. The new Technical Equity Partnership model ensures that private operators have a long-term financial interest in the success and efficiency of refinery operations, moving away from the ineffective practices of the past. As major infrastructure projects like the AKK pipeline move toward completion, the evidence suggests that the country’s energy sector is on a solid path to industrial growth and sustainability.
