OPEC secretary general, HE Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, has emphasised the growing role of national oil companies (NOCs) in advancing the African energy sector
He conveyed this during a meeting with the Republic of the Congo’s Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, as the country launches a series of initiatives to promote the domestic energy sector.
HE Barkindo commended advancements made by SNPC with regard to ongoing development of natural gas and its commitment to extending the benefits of natural resource extraction to local communities.
“Your corporate social responsibility is very well noted and it is evident that your efforts across the country are touching the lives of ordinary people,” said HE Barkindo.
The secretary general also highlighted the future role of oil and gas in sub-Saharan Africa and of NOCs in boosting exploration capacity, with a view to ensuring sustainable development and eliminating energy poverty.
“As we discussed this morning at our bilateral meeting with the Minister of Hydrocarbons, and at our meeting with the Prime Minister, the oil and gas industry has a very bright future around the world and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular,” said HE Barkindo.
“This work will continue to rely on the exploration capacity and the consumption of hydrocarbons to ensure the sustainable development of the country.”
During the meeting, Maixent Raoul Ominga, director general of SNPC, commented, “It is very encouraging to see that you are not only operating in the entire oil and gas supply chain, but also with operators in the upstream sector and in several joint ventures with a number of upstream companies.”
