- NAICE 2025 stakeholders pledged to end energy poverty through innovation, policy reform, and local capacity development.
- Officials highlighted reforms and investments to boost gas adoption, attract capital, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
Government officials, regulators, and oil and gas operators reaffirmed their commitment to end energy poverty in Nigeria and Africa at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos.
The conference “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy” brought together top officials and stakeholders to address the continent’s energy crisis amid the global transition.
Attendees included Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; and representatives of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe. Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, delivered his remarks virtually.
Lokpobiri emphasised the need for stakeholder unity to navigate the complex global energy landscape, which he described as shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, currency fluctuations, climate concerns, and growing resource competition. He also urged the industry to prioritise technological innovation as a tool for transition.
“Technology is transforming exploration through more precise and environmentally conscious methods, such as airborne surveys and non-invasive techniques,” he said. “Artificial intelligence has redefined oil and gas operations, driving productivity and lowering costs while advancing national development.”
In addition, he stressed the importance of building human capacity to sustain sectoral growth and confirmed the federal government’s commitment to training Nigerians for competitiveness in the evolving energy landscape. Lokpobiri also called on engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms that exited Nigeria to return, citing recent policy reforms and investment-friendly efforts.
“We need EPC firms to return and help us build critical infrastructure. With the Petroleum Industry Act and other incentives, Nigeria now offers a stable and rewarding investment environment,” he said.
Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba Saka Matemilola, who previously worked in the oil and gas industry, encouraged regulators and policymakers to work closely with operators to unlock the sector’s full potential. He warned that the push for energy sufficiency would fail without enabling policies and regulations.
Komolafe responded by reaffirming NUPRC’s role as both a regulator and enabler. He highlighted the Commission’s 21 new gazetted regulations, which aim to unlock investments, streamline operations, and align upstream practices with global standards.
“Our responsibility extends beyond compliance,” he said. “We focus on creating a stable and efficient upstream sector prioritising energy security, environmental stewardship, and economic sustainability.”
Furthermore, Komolafe noted that a resilient supply chain lowers costs and strengthens national capacity. He said the Commission actively supports local service providers and champions domestication of technology, local manufacturing, and supply chain development.
He also highlighted human capital as a priority. “We work with institutions and professional bodies to enhance technical excellence. We encourage SPE and other associations to drive workforce development and engage young professionals.”
The Commission, he said, has launched initiatives like Project 1 Million Barrels per Day to ramp up production. “We recently exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day in peak production, averaging 1.78 million daily,” Komolafe announced.
Additionally, he urged all stakeholders to follow through with actions, not just dialogue, to deliver lasting change.
Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA Chief Executive, said technology, policy clarity, and stakeholder collaboration are critical to building a sustainable energy future. He linked Nigeria’s energy strategy to its ambition to grow into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“Affordable and clean energy will drive investments and expand industrial capacity,” he said. “We must deploy integrated gas networks, virtual pipelines, commodity exchanges, and efficient logistics systems to meet demand.”
Ahmed said the NMDPRA remains committed to enabling investment, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability in the midstream and downstream sectors. He also emphasised the need for policy transparency and consistency to attract global capital.
Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo, speaking on behalf of the gas ministry, highlighted efforts to expand digital solutions and automation across the gas value chain. He also described data-driven tools as essential for boosting efficiency, lowering emissions, and improving delivery.
“We collaborate with stakeholders to promote innovation. We prioritise local manufacturing to reduce imports and strengthen our gas economy,” Ekpo said.
He added that the Ministry has enforced domestic supply obligations, introduced market-reflective pricing, and promoted deepwater gas development to improve investor confidence.
“Our success depends on partnerships. He said that the private sector, youth, professionals, and global allies must work together with the government to power a sustainable future,” he said. “We aim to transform Nigeria from an energy-poor to an energy-secure nation.”
Ekpo called for institutional stability and urged all agencies to focus on delivering the administration’s energy ambitions without distraction.