Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Special Adviser to the President on Oil & Gas, Olu Verheijen; are among other top industry leaders expected to proffer solutions to challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector, during the forthcoming conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC).
According to a statement issued
on Sunday, the upcoming 2026 annual conference, has a special focus on empowering indigenous operators and enhancing competition in the Nigerian oil, gas, power, solid minerals, and renewable energy sectors.
The statement explained that the conference is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth.
The statement which was , jointly signed by Ugo Amadi, NAEC Chairman, and Dr Adeola Yusuf, Conference Chairman, said that the conference theme is designed to stimulate conversations around shifting International Oil Companies (IOCs) priorities, frontier exploration opportunities, and improved access to high-value oil and gas assets for indigenous operators.
It added that it is also expected to focus on regulatory reforms aimed at removing barriers confronting technically capable indigenous companies while strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.
It further explained that NAEC noted that its annual conference has continued to serve as a major agenda-setting platform for the industry, attracting key stakeholders across the oil, gas, and power value chain.
Amadi said the carefully selected theme of the conference reflects pressing national and global developments requiring urgent industry attention.
He explained that discussions would centre on how indigenous oil and gas companies can improve operational efficiency, scale production targets, unlock investments, and restore investor confidence in the sector.
According to him, the conference will feature three high-level panel sessions examining how both IOCs and indigenous operators can reposition the industry for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness.
On his part, Yusuf said the conference would place strong emphasis on building local capacity within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem.
He noted that indigenous companies are increasingly playing strategic roles alongside IOCs in strengthening energy systems, improving infrastructure, and supporting sustainable economic development across Nigeria and the African continent.
Yusuf added that the conference sessions covering oil, gas, and power would focus on setting new performance benchmarks and advancing practical solutions for industry growth.
According to the statement, the conference is projected to attract more than 300 delegates and over 20 speakers, including chief executive officers, ministers, regulators, financiers, and technology leaders from across the energy sector.
