LAGOS, NIGERIA – DASCENARIO reports that the Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Acting Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria-São Tomé & Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NST-JDA) , Mr. Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim , has shared exclusive golden takeaways from the Nigerian Association of Petroleum & Oil Explorationists (NAPE) April Technical Business Meeting , emphasizing regional collaboration, investment attraction, and local content development.
Speaking exclusively to DASCENARIO TV at the Latana Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos , on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 , Mr. Ibrahim described the meeting as a critical platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector and the strategic Joint Development Zone (JDZ) shared with São Tomé & Príncipe.
A Strategic Gathering of Industry Leaders
The NAPE April Technical Business Meeting serves as a vital prelude to the larger NAPE Annual Conference, bringing together geoscientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry executives to exchange cutting-edge ideas on exploration efficiency and operational excellence.
Mr. Ibrahim, a key figure in the NST-JDA, used the platform to outline a roadmap for unlocking the immense hydrocarbon potential of the JDZ for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Golden Takeaways from Mr. Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim:
1. Deepening Regional Collaboration
“The NST-JDA remains committed to fostering seamless cooperation between Nigeria and São Tomé & Príncipe in the Joint Development Zone (JDZ). Our goal is to maximize hydrocarbon potential for the mutual benefit of both nations.”
2. Technical Excellence as a Driver of Growth
Mr. Ibrahim noted that NAPE’s technical sessions provide an invaluable forum for knowledge transfer, which is essential for de-risking exploration activities and reducing operational costs in the deep waters of the JDZ.
3. Investment Attraction in the JDZ
The Acting Chairman revealed that the NST-JDA is actively working to create a more attractive fiscal and regulatory environment to draw Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Zone, positioning it as a frontier for untapped oil and gas reserves.
4. Local Content & Capacity Building
Emphasizing indigenous participation, Mr. Ibrahim stated: “The NST-JDA is prioritizing local content development to ensure Nigerian and São Toméan professionals benefit directly from activities in the JDZ.”
5. Sustainability in Exploration
In line with global energy transition trends, Mr. Ibrahim called for responsible exploration practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Ibrahim concluded that the insights generated at the NAPE meeting will directly inform the NST-JDA’s strategy for the remainder of 2026, focusing on transparency, technological innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
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