NAEC conference seeks solutions to investment challenges

The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria says it will use its 2026 Energy Conference to examine investment barriers confronting Nigeria’s oil, gas and power sectors, with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders expected to discuss measures to unlock more investments.

Chairman of the association, Ugo Amadi, and Chairman of the conference organising committee, Dr Adeola Yusuf, disclosed this in a joint statement announcing the conference scheduled for October 8, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.

The conference, themed ‘Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth’, will focus on challenges limiting access to energy assets, investment opportunities and growth for indigenous operators.

Amadi said the theme reflected pressing national priorities and changes in the global energy landscape, stressing the need for a united industry response.

According to him, the conference would examine practical ways indigenous operators could expand their operations, attract investment and achieve sustainable growth.

Amadi noted that discussions would cover frontier exploration prospects, changing investment patterns and policy frameworks needed to improve efficiency, increase production and rebuild investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

He added that ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at removing bottlenecks, improving transparency and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global energy market would also form part of the discussions.

Amadi stated that the conference would feature high-level panels involving policymakers, regulators, financiers, chief executive officers and technology leaders across the oil, gas and power sectors.

• Lokpobiri urges oil firms to fast-track investment decisions
• Lokpobiri seeks faster investment decisions, says delays hurt oil, gas sector
• Petrol cheaper in Nigeria than US, many African countries — Minister

He added that the discussions were expected to help shape the industry’s agenda as Nigeria works towards its $1tn Gross Domestic Product target by 2030.

Similarly, Yusuf mentioned that indigenous companies had continued to play an important role in Nigeria’s energy security and economic development, noting that the conference would seek practical solutions to challenges confronting the sector.

He stated that the discussions would focus particularly on removing structural barriers affecting technically capable local companies and improving their access to high-value oil and gas assets amid changing investment priorities among International Oil Companies.

Yusuf described the growing list of speakers as an indication of NAEC’s increasing role as a platform for strategic dialogue, policy alignment and investment facilitation in the energy industry.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; and the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, will headline the conference.

Other speakers expected at the event include the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Rabiu Umar; Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari; and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Ogbe.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Patience Oyekunle; a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba; the Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Initiative, Ed Ubong; former Managing Director of 11PLC, Tunji Oyebanji; President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Engr Olajumoke Ajayi; and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, are also expected at the conference.