- Revitalising Nigerian petroleum exploration and production is vital to achieving lasting energy security and sustainable development.
- The NAPE 2025 Conference emphasises the significance of innovation, collaboration, and investment in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In his welcome address at the 2025 Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Conference, President Johnbosco Uche emphasised that this year’s event carries special significance. It provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share insights, and explore innovations that are shaping Nigeria’s energy future.
Uche explained that the theme, “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development”, is both timely and relevant. It reflects the urgent need for a deliberate and transformative approach to exploration and production. The goal, he said, is to meet current energy demands while securing a prosperous and sustainable future.
Over the years, NAPE has remained the knowledge hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Its members’ expertise has driven discoveries, shaped government policies, and strengthened local capabilities in the upstream sector. From early breakthroughs in the Niger Delta to exploration in frontier basins, NAPE’s influence continues to define the nation’s petroleum journey.
Recently, Nigeria has recorded a recovery in oil and gas production. According to Uche, the country is on track to reach its 2030 target of three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas. However, exploration activity still lags behind expectations. He urged the industry to replace depleted reserves and unlock unappraised discoveries essential for energy security and economic resilience.
To revitalise exploration, Uche called for greater focus on data-driven innovation and investment-friendly policies. He encouraged collaboration between regulators and operators to attract new investors and develop near-field and deep-basin opportunities. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and subsurface analytics. These tools, he said, will improve efficiency, minimise risks, and accelerate reserve replacement.
Equally, Uche stressed the importance of human capital in sustaining the sector. Through initiatives like the University Assistance Programme, mentorship schemes, and student chapters, NAPE continues to equip young professionals for leadership roles. He urged companies to create structured internship and graduate training programmes to ensure a skilled and adaptable workforce.
As the global energy transition accelerates, Uche reminded participants that Nigeria’s route to net zero must strike a balance between sustainability, affordability, and development. He reaffirmed that natural gas remains the nation’s transition fuel and a key driver of both sustainability and growth.
Finally, he called on all stakeholders, government, academia, investors, and industry players, to collaborate deliberately. Together, he said, they must revitalise, rethink, and reignite strategies that will secure Nigeria’s energy future and ensure national prosperity.