…to address barriers facing oil, power firms, enhance competitiveness
Oredola Adeola
The 2026 Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria, scheduled for October 8, 2026, in Lagos, is expected to drive discussions on shifting priorities among International Oil Companies, frontier exploration opportunities, and improved access to high-value oil and gas assets for indigenous operators.
The conference, which is expected to hold at Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, will be held under the theme: “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth.”
The announcement was made in a press statement jointly signed by Ugo Amadi, NAEC Chairman, and Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Conference Chairman.
The Organisers said the conference theme is also expected to focus attention on regulatory reforms aimed at removing barriers confronting technically capable indigenous companies while strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.
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, the NAEC Chairman, in his comment on the conference stated that the carefully selected theme 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.
The conference chairman noted that the event is expected to feature keynote addresses by Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Oil & Gas, among other top industry leaders.
He further emphasised that 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.
