The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) has unveiled plans for its 2026 annual conference, designed to address obstacles hindering indigenous operators and enhance competitiveness across Nigeria's oil, gas, power, solid minerals, and renewable energy sectors.
Scheduled for October 8, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference will be held under the theme: "Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth." The announcement came through a statement jointly signed by NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, and Conference Chairman, Adeola Yusuf.
According to the organizers, the theme aims to drive discussions on shifting priorities of International Oil Companies (IOCs), frontier exploration opportunities, and improved access to high-value oil and gas assets for indigenous players. The conference will also examine regulatory reforms necessary to remove barriers confronting technically capable indigenous companies while strengthening Nigeria's position in the global energy market.
NAEC noted that its annual conference remains a key agenda-setting platform for stakeholders across the oil, gas, and power value chain. Speaking on the event, Amadi stated that the theme was carefully chosen to reflect urgent national and global issues affecting the energy industry. He said discussions would focus on how indigenous oil and gas companies can improve operational efficiency, boost production targets, attract investments, and restore investor confidence in the sector.
The conference will feature three high-level panel sessions concentrating on how both IOCs and indigenous operators can reposition the industry for sustainable growth and stronger competitiveness. Yusuf emphasized that the event would place significant emphasis on strengthening local capacity within Nigeria's oil and gas industry. He noted that indigenous companies are increasingly playing strategic roles alongside IOCs in enhancing energy systems, improving infrastructure, and supporting sustainable economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Yusuf added that conference sessions covering oil, gas, and power would focus on setting new performance benchmarks and advancing practical solutions for industry growth. He further disclosed that the event is expected to feature keynote addresses by Heineken Lokpobiri, Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Olu Verheijen, among other industry leaders. The conference is projected to attract over 300 delegates and more than 20 speakers, including chief executives, ministers, regulators, financiers, and technology leaders from across the energy sector.
