KEY POINTS
- NNPC and Sonatrach signed an MoU to collaborate on research, innovation, and technology in the oil and gas sector
- The agreement was unveiled during the APPO R&D forum in Abuja, alongside broader strategies for energy transition and funding
- Stakeholders emphasised digital transformation, regional cooperation, and sustainability as key to Africa’s energy future
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with Sonatrach, Algeria’s national oil company, to strengthen collaboration in research, development, and innovation within the oil and gas sector.
The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, was signed by NNPC’s Executive Vice President of Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, and Sonatrach’s Managing Director, Khodjah Mohamed. According to NNPC, the deal was executed through its Research, Technology and Innovation Division in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for both organisations to jointly pursue research initiatives, share technological expertise, and develop innovative solutions aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness in the energy industry.
The signing ceremony took place during the opening of the third meeting of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation Forum for Research and Development Directors, held at the PTDF Tower in Abuja. The forum brought together research leaders from across member countries to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s oil and gas sector.
Driving innovation in Africa’s energy future
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, represented by former APPO Secretary General Omar Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of the forum as part of broader efforts to address the impact of the global energy transition on African producers.
He explained that the R&D forum is one of several strategic initiatives introduced by APPO, alongside the proposed African Energy Bank to address funding gaps and the Central African Pipeline System aimed at improving regional energy integration.
NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, represented by Chief Financial Officer Adedapo Segun, emphasised that research and development will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Africa’s oil and gas industry.
He noted that R&D institutions must evolve beyond traditional roles to become drivers of industrial competitiveness, warning that failure to invest in innovation could leave African producers at a disadvantage in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.
Ojulari also called for stronger collaboration among African nations, advocating for a unified strategy that would enable countries to pool resources, integrate data, and share risks in advancing energy development.
Embracing technology and sustainability
The NNPC leadership further stressed the need to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced engineering solutions to enhance efficiency across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
APPO Secretary General Farid Ghezali underscored the importance of ensuring that research outcomes are practical and directly beneficial to Africa’s unique energy challenges.
In the same vein, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Shu’aibu Aliyu, pointed to the partnership as a significant step toward advancing decarbonisation and environmental sustainability across member states.
