NOCAL CEO Leads Bold Push to Attract Global Oil & Gas Investments

In a powerful show of ambition and strategic intent, Fabian Michael Lai, President and CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), has declared Liberia “a premier destination for oil and gas investments” at the prestigious Africa Energies Summit in London.

Lai’s presentation positioned Liberia as West Africa’s next major energy frontier, drawing parallels to oil-rich Guyana and Suriname.

Addressing a high-level gathering of energy executives, investors, and policymakers, Lai spotlighted Liberia’s untapped hydrocarbon resources, favorable investment climate, and progressive regulatory policies as compelling reasons for international oil giants to take a serious look at the country.

“Liberia stands at a pivotal moment in its energy evolution. With a stable business climate and a proactive government, we are ready to welcome forward-thinking investors who seek long-term returns in a high-potential environment,” Lai declared.

NOCAL’s participation at the summit signals renewed vigor in Liberia’s quest for energy self-reliance and economic diversification. CEO Lai led a delegation that included Emmanuel Azango, Vice President for Finance, and Timothy Jarry, Director for Exploration and Data Management, as they pitched Liberia’s upstream opportunities to global stakeholders.

Among the major selling points, Lai emphasized ongoing negotiations for new exploration licenses led by the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), recent significant oil discoveries in the Harper Basin (neighboring Ivory Coast), led by Italian energy powerhouse ENI and robust interest in Liberia’s 2D and 3D seismic data, curated by global geophysical firm TGS

In addition to resource potential, Lai underscored Liberia’s commitment to responsible energy development, pledging that NOCAL will prioritize environmental sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and community engagement.

“Our vision goes beyond drilling wells. It’s about generating transformational value for the Liberian people and building an energy sector that works for everyone,” he said.

Energy majors and mid-tier independents reportedly expressed strong interest in acquiring offshore blocks and partnering with NOCAL to expand the country’s geological and seismic data infrastructure.

Sources at the summit hinted that preliminary talks for technical partnerships and data-sharing agreements are already underway.

The summit also provided a venue for key discussions around project financing, energy infrastructure development, and policy reforms to streamline foreign investment into Liberia’s oil and gas sector.

This year’s Africa Energies Summit, themed “Powering Africa’s Future”, attracted delegations from over 30 countries. Liberia’s bold presentation earned praise for its clarity, ambition, and readiness to capitalize on growing investor appetite for new frontier markets.

As Liberia ramps up efforts to attract exploration activity and diversify its economy, NOCAL’s leadership on the global stage signals the nation’s readiness to compete in Africa’s energy future. The world is watching—and Liberia is making its move.