The late Nelson Mandela famously said, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
NJ Ayuk is precisely the type of dreamer Mr. Mandela was speaking about.
In this book, Ayuk lays out his commitment to putting African countries on the path to a prosperous future. The key, Ayuk tells us, is a concerted effort by African leaders, businesses, and individuals to ensure that the continent realizes the full potential of its vast petroleum wealth.
As the CEO of a thriving pan-African law group known for its oil and gas expertise, Ayuk is somewhat of an expert on this topic. His industry insights and talent as a deal-maker have earned the respect and trust of OPEC member countries—along with opportunities to negotiate on our organization’s behalf.
What’s more, Ayuk has invested his own time and resources into showing the way: He started by founding the African Energy Chamber and co-writing Big Barrels: African Oil and Gas and the Quest for Prosperity, a book that showcases African countries that are successfully harnessing their petroleum resources.
In this book, Ayuk builds on what he started in Big Barrels, encouraging Africans to use their continent’s petroleum resources to seize control of their own destinies.
Perhaps most importantly, though, the book does not shy away from potentially controversial ideas. Although he dreams of African oil success, he is fully aware of the obstacles to that success and makes a strong case for bringing more women into the industry, particularly executive roles. Ayuk also takes African governments and companies to task in the areas where they fall short, from the unfair distribution of oil wealth to poor governance that violates the people of Africa.
Ayuk is straightforward in his assessment of Africa’s inefficient power grid and the ineffective leadership of its energy companies, advocating for the unbundling of utilities as a way for the continent to take control of its future. In addition, he calls for a cultural shift that will enable oil and gas companies to transition to energy businesses that will invest in renewables in Africa.
He also addresses the very real problem of gas flaring in my native country, Nigeria, where natural gas could be harnessed to provide long-overdue access to reliable electricity for large segments of the population.
In his latest edition of Billions at Play, Ayuk frankly describes the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Africa’s economy, from ravaged government budgets to postponed licensing rounds. Once again, he calls upon African governments to do their part to safeguard Africa’s vital oil and gas industry and ensure its success. As always, Ayuk doesn’t shy away from Africa’s challenges. Instead, he urges leaders and decision-makers to get to work addressing them—and provides specific ideas to help them succeed.
It is an honor to provide the foreword for this book. I agree with the points made—and with Ayuk’s case for the critical role that OPEC will play in helping African oil producers achieve a much-deserved voice in the petroleum industry.
Yes, one could argue that Ayuk is a dreamer. However, he has taken the time to develop a detailed roadmap for realizing that dream. It’s up to each of us to take the time to read it and to play a part in making his dream of petroleum-fueled economic growth, stability, and improved quality of life happen for Africa.
OPEC Secretary General
Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo