Leaders and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have called for deeper collaboration among operators, regulators, investors, and financiers to build a resilient energy sector capable of weathering global disruptions.
The appeal came during the 49th Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) 2026, held in Lagos on Monday. Under the theme “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” industry chiefs outlined a roadmap for navigating geopolitical volatility, technological disruption, and shifting investment priorities.
Regulatory Synergy at the Forefront
Speaking at the event, the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, emphasised that collaboration remains the cornerstone of her agency’s regulatory philosophy.
She pointed to the NUPRC’s monthly engagements with industry leaders and extensive consultations in developing new regulations as evidence of this commitment.
“We firmly believe that resilient energy systems, sustained investment and long-term growth can only be achieved through strong partnerships,” Eyesan stated.
She noted that the global energy landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace due to climate considerations, artificial intelligence, and growing energy demand—factors that are redefining production, transport, and consumption patterns. “These changes also present tremendous opportunities for countries that are prepared to adapt, innovate and work together,” she added, underscoring the need for regulators and operators alike to evolve.
Downstream Commitments and Gas Expansion
Reaffirming the government’s downstream agenda, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu A Umar, pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security while accelerating gas utilisation.
READ ALSO:
- Oil Prices Surge Further as Middle East War Sustains Supply Disruption
- Beyond Oil: Dangote Unveils 20,000MW Power Expansion Plan
- How Middle East War is Deepening Nigeria’s Food Crisis
Umar outlined a regulatory approach guided by the principles of being “Firm, Fair and Fast,” ensuring compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) while fostering an enabling environment for investment.
Highlighting Nigeria’s transformation into a regional refining hub, Umar noted the growth of both large-scale and modular refineries.
He stressed that the NMDPRA remains committed to enforcing Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations to guarantee feedstock availability for local refineries, while maintaining commercial balance across the value chain.
On infrastructure, the Authority Chief Executive underscored ongoing efforts to support the completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline, increase LPG and CNG adoption, and promote gas commercialisation under the Decade of Gas initiative.
He added that market reforms aimed at improving gas distribution and advancing Nigeria’s energy transition are already in motion.
A Call for Unified Action
Umar called for stronger collaboration among regulators, operators, financiers, and technology providers to build a resilient energy sector capable of meeting both domestic and regional demand.
He also highlighted the Authority’s engagement through the West Africa Regulators Forum to enhance regional market integration and transparency.
As Nigeria confronts the dual challenge of meeting rising energy needs while navigating global decarbonisation pressures, the consensus at NAICE 2026 was clear: synergy, not silos, will be the bedrock of the nation’s energy future.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X