The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) will focus on boosting Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves, strengthening local capabilities and deploying adaptive technologies at its 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November 8 to 12, 2026, in Lagos.
 
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos at the weekend, the association’s President,  Olajumoke Cecelia Ajayi, said the conference would address the need to increase reserves and production, strengthen energy security, attract investment and maximise the value of the country’s petroleum resources.
 
With the theme “Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities & Adaptive Technologies,” Ajayi said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential could not be translated into increased reserves and sustainable production through existing discoveries alone, but required renewed exploration, appropriate technology, stronger local capabilities and an operating environment capable of attracting and retaining investment.
 
She identified local capacity development as another priority, noting that stronger indigenous technical, professional and entrepreneurial capabilities would enable Nigerian companies and professionals to participate more effectively across the petroleum value chain while retaining greater value within the economy.
 
On technology, she said solutions must be adapted to Nigeria’s geological, operational and economic conditions to improve exploration success, reduce costs, increase operational efficiency and unlock resources that may previously have been considered uneconomic or technically challenging.
 
“The future will not be determined simply by how much oil and gas we have underground, but by our ability to find it, develop it efficiently and competitively, and create the capabilities and technologies required to bring it to market,” she said.
 
She added that the conference will feature nine subthemes covering energy security and affordability, modern technologies for sustainable energy development, geoscience, reservoir characterisation, exploration and production technologies, energy business management and financing, geoscience education, health, safety and environmental management, host community relations, and the synergy between the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and local content.
 
Other areas of discussion will include decarbonisation, carbon credits, smart and efficient energy, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, regulatory frameworks, investment and divestment, industry-academia collaboration, risk management and waste management.
 
Ajayi said the programme would feature management and executive sessions, a Techbusiness Forum, the All-Convention Luncheon, technical and professional engagements, exhibitions and networking opportunities.
 
The management session, themed “Energy Security in an Era of Global Disruption: Positioning Nigeria for Resilience, Competitiveness and Prosperity,” will examine how Nigeria can strengthen its energy security while positioning the industry for long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.