Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo; and Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, are among experts who will chat more efficient strategies for the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the trio will speak at the 2026 edition of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) annual energy conference.
According to the statement jointly signed by NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, and Conference Chairman, Dr Adeola Yusuf, the theme of the conference is: “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth.”
It added that the summit is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The statement further explained that the lineup includes key figures such as Engr. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Rabiu Umar, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Amadi, in his comment, said the theme of the 2026 edition of the conference reflects urgent national priorities and global shifts within the energy landscape, requiring coordinated industry response.
He noted that the conference will explore practical pathways for indigenous operators to scale operations, unlock investments and drive sustainable growth.
According to Amadi, the conference will also examine frontier exploration opportunities, evolving investment trends, and policy frameworks needed to enhance efficiency, scale production, and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
He said, “Discussions will further interrogate ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at removing bottlenecks, strengthening transparency, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.
The NAEC Chairman emphasised that the conference’s high-level panel sessions that will feature policymakers, regulators, financiers, chief executives and technology leaders across the oil, gas and power value chain are expected to set the industry agenda as Nigeria looks to achieve the country’s $1 trillion economy (GDP) target by 2030.
Dr Yusuf, on his part, emphasised the importance of strengthening local capacity, noting that indigenous companies are increasingly playing critical roles in advancing Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.
He added that sessions spanning oil, gas and power will focus on setting new performance benchmarks while advancing practical solutions to industry challenges.
The Conference Chairman stated that the conference will focus on dismantling structural barriers limiting the growth of technically capable indigenous companies.
He noted that discussions will centre on improving access to high-value oil and gas assets amid shifting investment priorities by International Oil Companies (IOCs).
Yusuf further noted that the lineup for the 2026 event underscores the NAEC conference’s growing stature as a leading platform for strategic dialogue, policy alignment, and investment facilitation.
“The 2026 edition builds on the momentum of NAEC’s 2025 edition — themed “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,” the statement added.
