The much anticipated Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ (NAPE) pre-conference workshop is set to hold on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, ahead of the 44th Annual International Conference & Exhibition scheduled for November 8–12, 2026.
Upstream Future Takes Centre Stage
The pre-conference workshop is designed to provide a platform for informed industry dialogue around some of the most pressing questions confronting Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.
At the heart of the discussion is the need to reconcile increased exploration and field development with the country’s demand for reliable and sustainable energy supplies.
The workshop’s theme places particular emphasis on the strategic choices Nigeria must make as it seeks to grow its hydrocarbon reserves, improve production capacity and strengthen energy security.
Tony Attah to Deliver Keynote Perspective
DASCENARIO reports that among the featured speakers is Engr. Tony Attah, Managing Director/CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, who is listed on the programme as Keynote Speaker/Panelist.
Attah is expected to bring an industry perspective to the discussion, particularly on the opportunities and challenges associated with Nigeria’s upstream growth ambitions.
Also listed among the speakers is Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Board Adviser, Conoil Limited, who will participate as a speaker/panelist.
Industry Leaders Join Panel Discussion
The workshop will also feature contributions from several prominent professionals across Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
They include Adedapo A. Segun, GCFO, NNPC Limited; Prof. Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu, Executive Secretary, PTDF, Abuja; Engr. E. Amadasu, Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, NUPRC; and Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, FNSE, Chairman, PETAN.
Oladimeji Bashorun, MD/CEO of Energia Limited, is listed to deliver the theme’s remark, while Toyin Akinosho, Publisher of Africa Oil and Gas Report, will serve as Panel Session Moderator.
The combination of operators, regulators, industry associations, professional bodies and media is expected to provide a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities surrounding Nigeria’s upstream future.
Exploration and Reserves Growth
The workshop comes as NAPE places exploration and reserves growth at the centre of its 2026 industry agenda.
The association’s 44th Annual Conference theme — “Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities, & Adaptive Technology” — reflects the industry’s focus on increasing exploration activity, strengthening domestic capabilities and deploying technology to unlock new opportunities.
NAPE President Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, FNAPE, has also highlighted pathways to unlock more barrels, grow reserves, advance gas opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s upstream sector through exploration, innovation, local capabilities and adaptive technology.
Energy Security and Upstream Development
The workshop’s emphasis on energy security is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenge of maximising its petroleum resources while meeting domestic energy requirements.
The discussion is expected to examine whether existing exploration and development approaches are adequate to support long-term energy security and what technological, regulatory and investment interventions may be required.
The engagement is also expected to consider the role of local expertise and indigenous capacity in ensuring that Nigeria captures greater value from its upstream petroleum resources.
Local Capabilities as a Strategic Priority
Strengthening local capabilities is another major component of NAPE’s 2026 agenda.
The association’s conference programme places emphasis on local capabilities alongside exploration and adaptive technology, reflecting the growing importance of Nigerian professionals, indigenous companies and domestic technical expertise in the development of the energy sector.
The workshop therefore provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders to examine how local capacity can be deployed more effectively in exploration, field development, technology adoption and project execution.
Adaptive Technology for a Changing Industry
Technology is also expected to feature prominently in the conversations.
NAPE’s 2026 conference programme identifies adaptive technology as one of the key tools for unlocking additional barrels and growing reserves. The association says its wider conference will include technical workshops and deep-dive sessions led by experts on sustainable exploration and production technologies.
The pre-conference workshop will consequently provide an early platform for stakeholders to consider how technology can support exploration efficiency, field development and energy security.
Energia Listed as Workshop Sponsor
The programme lists Energia as the sponsor of the pre-conference workshop.
The event is being hosted by NAPE as part of the activities leading to its 44th Annual International Conference & Exhibition, which NAPE describes as a major platform for knowledge exchange, technical dialogue and strategic networking among industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and energy professionals.
NAPE 44 Conference to Draw Global Energy Stakeholders
The workshop will precede the main NAPE 44 conference scheduled for November 8–12, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
According to NAPE, the annual conference will feature technical sessions, strategic industry discussions, networking engagements, exhibitions, management sessions, awards and other professional activities. The association expects the gathering to attract industry professionals, policymakers, investors, researchers and other stakeholders in the global energy community.
The pre-conference workshop is therefore positioned as an important opening conversation on the strategic choices facing Nigeria’s upstream industry before the broader discussions of NAPE 44.
Workshop Details
Event: NAPE 44th Annual International Conference & Exhibition — Pre-Conference Workshop
Theme: Navigating Nigeria’s Upstream Future: Exploration and Development Approaches vs. Energy Security Demand
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. WAT
Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos
Sponsor: Energia
Conference Theme: Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities, & Adaptive Technology
Host: Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, FNAPE — President, NAPE
President-Elect/Conference Planning Committee Chairman: Dr. Anthony Ofoma, FNAPE, FNMGS
Publicity Secretary/Conference Publicity Chairperson: Somime Oguntola
