The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has called on upstream operators to strengthen operational resilience to protect revenue and withstand political and market pressures facing the oil and gas industry.
The Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, Mr. Udy Ntia, made the call on Tuesday during a strategic panel discussion titled, “Upstream Portfolio Resilience: Designing for Political and Market Stress,” at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Ntia said building resilience in the upstream sector requires the deployment of technology, stable production, appropriate workforce management and secure routes for transporting crude oil to international markets.
He stressed that operators must ensure that every aspect of their businesses is structured to withstand operational disruptions and changing market conditions.
According to him, “The industry requires the use of technology in operations, stable production, the right people assigned to the right work, and a secure route for crude oil to reach international markets.”
Explaining NNPC’s approach to managing market uncertainties, Ntia said the company protects its revenue in the short term while making strategic investments in facilities and infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
He said, “NNPC Limited protects its revenue in the short term while investing in facilities and infrastructure over the long term.”
He added that the company’s investment in standby capacity was part of its strategy to minimise operational risks and ensure continuity of production.
The NNPC executive also identified clear strategic direction, adequate resources, sound governance and increased investment as important factors behind the company’s improved performance.
He noted that stable costs and improved regulatory frameworks had positioned Nigeria to strengthen partnerships with international oil companies and independent producers.
Ntia said a combination of effective governance, sustained investment and operational efficiency would be necessary to improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The panel was moderated by the Chairman and Chief Analyst of Wood Mackenzie, Mr. Simon Flowers.
Other participants included the Executive Vice President, Upstream, bp, Mr. Gordon Birrell, and the Chief Executive Officer of Hunt Energy Holdings, Mr. Hunter L. Hunt.