Leading Nigerian oil and gas operators are set to play a prominent role at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, as Africa looks to deepen regional energy collaboration, accelerate new production and attract long-term investment into upstream projects.

Their participation reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Beyond the transfer of assets from international majors to indigenous companies, Nigerian operators are increasingly developing fields, financing infrastructure, commercialising gas and building export systems that strengthen the country’s position as one of Africa’s most important energy markets.

At AEW 2026, the Nigerian delegation is expected to engage regional and international stakeholders on new field development, gas monetisation, project finance, cross-border partnerships and the investment structures required to sustain upstream growth across the continent.

TotalEnergies’ Nigeria Managing Director and Country Chair, Matthieu Bouyer, will attend alongside former TotalEnergies Managing Director, Adewale Fayemi. A major player in Nigeria’s upstream market, TotalEnergies continues to operate key deepwater assets in the country and remains one of the international energy companies that has sustained offshore investment even as onshore and shallow-water positions have increasingly shifted to indigenous operators.

First E&P, which produces approximately 57,000 barrels per day, has emerged as an increasingly prominent player in Nigeria’s oil and gas market. The company has built its portfolio through direct asset development and strategic positioning across the Niger Delta, contributing to the expansion of indigenous upstream capacity. Its CEO and Managing Director, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, and Chief Strategy Officer, George Toriola, will represent the company at AEW 2026 as it assesses opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Emadeb E&P has also continued to expand its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and project development. The company achieved first oil at the Ibom Field in 2025, marking the first new shallow-water offshore development in Nigeria in more than 15 years. With more than $100 million invested and further drilling campaigns planned, Emadeb is expected to bring important perspectives on shallow-water development, indigenous investment and project execution. Its Managing Director, Oluwasegun Ogunsanya, and Chief Operating Officer, Sheriff Adeeyo, will participate at the conference.

SunTrust Atlantic Energies has produced more than 54 million barrels of crude from the Umusadege field in OML 56 since 2008, sustaining output of approximately 10,000 barrels per day. Founder and Chief Executive, Ugo Okafor, and Executive Director, Rachel Akhuetie, will attend AEW 2026. The company’s long-term production from a single marginal field demonstrates the value that can be unlocked in Nigeria’s upstream portfolio when operators combine capital commitment, technical discipline and operational continuity.

Lekoil will be represented by Company Secretary and General Manager, Legal, Gloria Iroegbunam, and Chief Technical Officer, Sam Olotu. Through its Otakikpo asset, the company commissioned Nigeria’s first indigenous onshore crude export terminal in nearly five decades, while expanding gas-to-power infrastructure and advancing the commercialisation of additional discoveries, including OPL 310.

Energia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oladimeji Bashorun, and Pan Ocean &Newcross Chief Financial Officer, Seyi Oladapo, have also joined the conference. Pan Ocean and Newcross have expanded across producing assets, gas infrastructure and export logistics. They will contribute to discussions on project financing and the capital structures required to sustain Nigeria’s upstream growth. Energia continues to support Nigeria’s production goals through a growing portfolio of operated and partnered assets across the Niger Delta.

“These operators are drilling new wells, building export terminals and financing offshore developments that did not exist five years ago. Nigeria’s upstream sector is growing not only through asset transfers but through new investment and new production,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As African energy markets become increasingly interconnected, collaboration between operators, investors and policymakers will be critical to accelerating project development and unlocking new capital. Through their participation at AEW 2026, Nigerian operators will bring technical expertise, capital, infrastructure experience and project execution capability to the regional energy dialogue.

Their presence in Cape Town will also underline Nigeria’s evolving role in Africa’s upstream future: not only as a producer with deep reserves, but as a source of indigenous operators capable of shaping investment, production and energy collaboration across the continent.