The 2026 Oriental News Nigeria conference on decarbonisation in the extractive industry will place Nigeria's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 in the spotlight. Scheduled for July 23, 2026, the event will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos.
Key Speakers and Theme
The conference, hosted by Oriental News Nigeria, will feature the Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, as the lead speaker. Themed “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonisation Initiatives In Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms,” the summit aligns with ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to endorse the National Decarbonisation Bill, which aims to strengthen climate goals in line with the Climate Change Act 2021.
Regulatory Reforms and Discussions
Organisers noted that the theme reflects current reforms, including the Decarbonisation Blueprint and Handbook introduced by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Top government officials are expected to discuss Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan (ETP), recent regulatory actions, renewable energy expansion, gas flare reduction, and cleaner industrial processes. The summit will also address finance challenges, investment strategies, operational sustainability, and climate change management within the extractive industry.
Sahara Group's Net-Zero Plan
Kola Adesina, former chairman of Egbin Power Plc and board chairman of Ikeja Electric, will share insights on ongoing reforms and Sahara Group's decarbonisation efforts. According to organisers, Sahara Group is implementing a three-pronged net-zero plan focusing on cleaner energy sources, operational efficiency, and nature-based solutions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The company is also investing in gas as a transition fuel while expanding renewable energy and reforestation projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Expert Perspectives
Energy experts at the conference will discuss how global oil and gas operators are responding to pressure to reduce emissions and how Nigeria is addressing similar environmental concerns across key sectors of the economy. The convener and Publisher of Oriental News Nigeria, Yemisi Izuora, stated that the annual summit provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss regulations, investment opportunities, and policies that support economic growth.
Fifth Edition and Sustainability Focus
Now in its fifth year, the conference aims to promote environmental sustainability by addressing challenges facing operators in the oil and gas, petrochemicals, and manufacturing sectors. The organisers said the summit will bring together operators, suppliers, vendors, and users within the oil and gas industry to exchange ideas and practical decarbonisation solutions that align with operational needs and business performance. Discussions will focus on digital tools, low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, and alternative fuels being adopted by companies to meet environmental goals.
Case Studies and Panel Discussions
The conference will feature case studies from industry players that have made significant progress in their decarbonisation efforts, alongside panel discussions involving stakeholders from the petroleum industry, manufacturing sector, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.
