Uche Cecil Izuora
Energy firms and industry leaders are expected to convene during a high level energy summit in Nigeria.
They would be exploring strategies for boosting Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves, strengthening local capabilities and advancing energy security.
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) putting the gathering together during its 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition, will create opportunities for industry operators to participate in conversation with direct focus on boosting Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves through exploration, indigenous capabilities and adaptive technologies.
The event will explore the theme “Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities and Adaptive Technologies,”.
Speaking at a Press Conference in Lagos, NAPE President, Olajumoke Ajayi, said the conference would address the need to increase oil and gas reserves and production, strengthen energy security, attract investment and maximise the value of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
The NAPE President emphasised that achieving these objectives requires renewed exploration, stronger indigenous technical capacity and technologies adapted to Nigeria’s geological and operating conditions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and unlock previously challenging resources.
The conference will address nine sub-themes, including energy security, sustainable energy technologies, geoscience, reservoir characterisation, artificial intelligence and machine learning in exploration and production, energy financing, human capital development, environmental management and the synergy between the Petroleum Industry Act and local content.
She disclosed that there will be a pre-conference workshop scheduled for October 21 that will focus on “Navigating Nigeria’s Upstream Future: Exploration and Development Approaches vs. Energy Security Demand.”
Notwithstanding, the main conference will feature management and executive sessions, Tech business forum, technical presentations, exhibitions and networking activities.
Discussions will focus on energy security, fiscal stability, governance reforms, investment growth and technology deployment across the industry, Ajayi added.
The NAPE President revealed that the exhibition will showcase innovations in exploration, drilling, production and asset management while providing indigenous companies with opportunities to demonstrate their expertise, build partnerships and connect with investors and technology providers.
According to the NAPE President, the conference will also promote collaboration among industry stakeholders and create opportunities for young professionals and emerging Nigerian companies to engage with industry leaders and international technology providers.
The Association has spent more than five decades promoting technical excellence and knowledge exchange in petroleum exploration.
The event would provide a platform for practical solutions to growing Nigeria’s reserves and building a more resilient and competitive upstream sector.
NAPE has invited policymakers, investors, industry professionals, academics and other stakeholders to participate in the conference and contribute to discussions on the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
In his remarks NAPE Vice President, Emmanuel Egbele said the event will focus on reserves growth, local capabilities and adaptive technology.
Egbele pointed out that NAPE has identified exploration, local capabilities and adaptive technologies as key drivers of reserves growth ahead of its 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November.
On the theme of the event, Egbele was of the view that the Association and the industry must combine increased production with renewed exploration efforts to grow Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
The NAPE Vice President also highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous capabilities amid ongoing divestments and licensing rounds noting that local expertise must continue to expand to meet the evolving needs of the petroleum industry.
On technology, Egbele stressed the need for industry stakeholders to keep pace with emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to improve operational efficiency and support reserves development.
He emphasised the importance of its pre-conference workshop that will feature keynote address by Engr. Tony Atta, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, alongside experienced industry professionals from different segments of the sector.
According to the Vice President, the workshop provides a platform for technical discussions and recommendations that can help guide government policies and address challenges facing Nigeria’s upstream industry.
The main conference will feature management and executive sessions focusing on energy security, global disruptions, industry competitiveness, fiscal stability, governance reforms and investment growth across the energy value chain.
The Tech business Forum will also bring together technology providers, equipment manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to showcase innovations and explore business opportunities within the petroleum sector.
NAPE conference will provide an avenue for industry leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration and develop practical strategies for growing Nigeria’s reserves and improving competitiveness of its oil and gas industry.