The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists has said it will focus on boosting Nigeria’s oil reserves through renewed exploration, stronger local capabilities and the adoption of technologies suited to the country’s operating environment.
The President of NAPE, Mrs Olajumoke Ajayi, said this during a press briefing in Lagos, ahead of the association’s 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for 8 t0 13 November 2026.
The conference, with the theme ‘Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth through Exploration, Local Capabilities & Adaptive Technologies,’ is expected to bring together explorationists, geoscientists, engineers, industry executives, policymakers, regulators, investors and technology providers from Nigeria and other countries.
According to NAPE, the conference comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as the country seeks to increase its hydrocarbon reserves and production, strengthen energy security, attract fresh investments and maximise the value of its petroleum resources.
At the briefing recently, the association noted that achieving these objectives would require a coordinated approach that combines renewed exploration, the development of indigenous technical expertise and the deployment of appropriate technologies.
It said Nigeria’s substantial hydrocarbon potential could only be translated into increased reserves and sustainable production through more exploration, stronger local capabilities and an operating environment capable of attracting and retaining investment.
On local capacity development, NAPE said the industry needs to strengthen indigenous technical, professional and entrepreneurial capabilities to enable Nigerian companies and professionals to participate more effectively across the petroleum value chain and retain greater value within the economy.
The association also stressed the need to adapt technologies to Nigeria’s geological, operational and economic conditions rather than simply importing and deploying them without considering local realities.
According to NAPE, appropriately adapted technologies could improve exploration success, reduce costs, increase operational efficiency and unlock resources previously 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,” the association stated.
The conference will feature nine sub-themes covering energy security, modern technologies for sustainable energy development, geoscience methodologies, petroleum studies and reservoir characterisation, emerging technologies in exploration and production, energy business management and financing, geoscience education, health and safety, environmental sustainability, host community relations, and the relationship between the Petroleum Industry Act and local content.
The programme will include management and executive sessions, a technology and business forum, an all-convention luncheon, technical engagements, exhibitions and networking opportunities.
The management session will examine Energy Security in an Era of Global Disruption: Positioning Nigeria for Resilience, Competitiveness and Prosperity, while the executive session will focus on Strengthening Industry Confidence: Fiscal Stability, Governance Reforms & Investment Growth Across Nigeria’s Energy Value Chain.
The technology and business forum will provide a platform for technology companies, original equipment manufacturers, operators and other industry stakeholders to showcase innovations aimed at improving exploration, operational efficiency and the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
The association also announced a pre-conference workshop scheduled for 21 October 2026, under the theme, ‘Navigating Nigeria’s Upstream Future: Exploration and Development Approaches vs. Energy Security Demand’.
The workshop is designed to facilitate technical discussions and knowledge exchange on issues shaping the future of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry ahead of the main conference.
NAPE said the exhibition would feature international and indigenous oil and gas companies, service providers, equipment manufacturers and technology firms showcasing solutions for exploration, drilling, production, asset management and operational efficiency.
It added that the event would provide Nigerian companies with opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, establish partnerships and connect with investors, clients and technology providers.
Other activities lined up for the conference include the NAPE Golf Tournament, African Night and Awards Night.
The association said the conference was intended to go beyond an annual professional gathering by generating practical ideas, partnerships and solutions to support the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s upstream sector.
It added that the event would also create opportunities for young professionals and emerging Nigerian companies to engage with industry leaders and international technology providers.
NAPE, which has promoted professional excellence, knowledge exchange and technical advancement in petroleum exploration for more than four decades, said the conference would build on that tradition by bringing industry stakeholders together to discuss ways to grow reserves, improve exploration and strengthen the country’s upstream petroleum industry.