The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) has announced plans for its 2026 annual conference, with a focus on addressing barriers limiting indigenous operators and improving competitiveness across Nigeria’s oil, gas, power, solid minerals and renewable energy sectors.

The conference is scheduled to hold on October 8, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme, “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth.”

The announcement was contained in a statement jointly signed by NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, and Conference Chairman, Adeola Yusuf.

According to the organisers, the theme is aimed at driving discussions around changing priorities of International Oil Companies (IOCs), frontier exploration opportunities and improved access to high-value oil and gas assets for indigenous operators.

The organisers said the conference would also examine regulatory reforms needed to remove barriers confronting technically capable indigenous companies while improving Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.

NAEC noted that its annual conference has remained a major agenda-setting platform for stakeholders across the oil, gas and power value chain.

Speaking on the conference, Amadi said the theme was carefully selected to reflect urgent national and global issues affecting the energy industry.

He said discussions at the event would focus on how indigenous oil and gas companies could improve operational efficiency, increase production targets, attract investments and restore investor confidence in the sector.

According to him, the conference would feature three high-level panel sessions focused on how both IOCs and indigenous operators could reposition the industry for sustainable growth and stronger competitiveness.

On his part, Yusuf said the conference would place strong emphasis on strengthening local capacity within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He noted that indigenous companies were increasingly playing strategic roles alongside IOCs in strengthening energy systems, improving infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Yusuf added that conference sessions covering oil, gas and power would focus on setting new performance benchmarks and advancing practical solutions for industry growth.

He further disclosed that the event is expected to feature keynote addresses by Heineken Lokpobiri, Ekperikpe Ekpo and Olu Verheijen, among other industry leaders.

Yusuf said the conference is projected to attract more than 300 delegates and over 20 speakers, including chief executives, ministers, regulators, financiers and technology leaders from across the energy sector.