The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) is set to hold its 2026 Energy Conference on October 8, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The conference, themed ‘Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth’, aims to examine challenges limiting access to energy assets, investment opportunities, and growth for indigenous operators. The event will bring together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss measures to unlock more investments in Nigeria's oil, gas, and power sectors.
According to NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, the conference theme reflects pressing national priorities and changes in the global energy landscape. He stressed the need for a united industry response to address the challenges facing the sector. The conference will examine practical ways indigenous operators can expand their operations, attract investment, and achieve sustainable growth. Discussions will cover frontier exploration prospects, changing investment patterns, and policy frameworks needed to improve efficiency, increase production, and rebuild investor confidence.
The conference will feature high-level panels involving policymakers, regulators, financiers, chief executive officers, and technology leaders across the oil, gas, and power sectors. Amadi noted that ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at removing bottlenecks, improving transparency, and strengthening Nigeria's position in the global energy market will also form part of the discussions. The event is expected to help shape the industry's agenda as Nigeria works towards its $1tn Gross Domestic Product target by 2030.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; and 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; and Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari.
NAEC's conference is seen as a platform for strategic dialogue, policy alignment, and investment facilitation in the energy industry. Chairman of the conference organizing committee, Dr. Adeola Yusuf, mentioned that indigenous companies have continued to play an important role in Nigeria's energy security and economic development. The conference will seek practical solutions to challenges confronting the sector, particularly removing structural barriers affecting technically capable local companies.
The event will also feature discussions on improving 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 in the energy industry. The conference aims to provide a forum for stakeholders to engage and find solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria's energy sector.
With over a decade of reporting experience, journalist Dare Olawin will cover the conference. As a journalist at Punch Newspapers, Olawin's work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accurate and insightful journalism. The conference is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and experts in the energy sector.
Key points
- The NAEC conference will discuss measures to unlock more investments in Nigeria's oil, gas, and power sectors.
- The event will feature high-level panels involving policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders.
- The conference aims to provide practical solutions to challenges confronting Nigeria's energy sector.
