SEEPCO Wins NAEC Excellence for Second Consecutive Year with Government–Private Partner Awards at 2026 Conference
…Company’s recognition highlights local content development, maritime security, gas transportation and sustainability initiatives
Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has earned Government–Private Partner of the Year Award at the 2026 Nigeria Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Conference, securing the recognition for the second consecutive year.
At the conference and awards ceremony organised by NAEC, an association of energy editors and correspondents, SEEPCO was recognised for its contributions to security, stability and operational continuity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The recognition underscores the importance of effective collaboration between industry operators and government institutions in supporting the sector’s growth.
Held under the theme “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth,” the conference explored ways to expand access to Nigeria’s energy resources, strengthen indigenous capacity and create opportunities for sustainable economic development.
SEEPCO Government Partnerships Driving National Development
A key aspect of SEEPCO’s contribution lies in its partnerships with government institutions to support national priorities and strengthen indigenous capabilities. These collaborations span maritime security, cleaner transportation and the development of local technical expertise.
A notable example is the development of the SSV-KALI 3 security support vessel in partnership with the Nigerian Navy. Built at the HM Shipyard in Okpai, Delta State, the vessel was inducted into service at Asemoku Jetty.
SSV KALI 3 of the KALI Series: The next-generation Security Support Vessels dedicated to the Nigerian Navy
The project demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian shipyards and technical personnel to deliver specialised maritime assets locally, creating opportunities to strengthen indigenous engineering expertise and reduce dependence on foreign-built solutions. It also forms part of a Memorandum of Agreement covering the development of 10 vessels, reflecting the potential for continued collaboration to expand local content across Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.
Local Youth Workforce Shaping Indigenous Industrial Growth by Sterling Oil
Approximately 200 Nigerians contributed to the construction of the SSV-KALI 3 at the Okpai HM Shipyard, including engineers and technical personnel from the Niger Delta, as well as retired military officers employed by SEEPCO.
In addition to helping secure the shipyard, the retired military officers applied their expertise and experience from years of service to support the vessel’s construction. Their contributions, alongside those of the engineers and other technical personnel, demonstrate how local skills and experience can be harnessed to deliver specialised projects.
Military officers
Sterling Oil Partners with officials of the Nigerian Police force, to Support Pi-CNG. The initiative was inaugurated by IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc (+) NPM
Inspector-General of Police Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on July 22, 2026.
The involvement of Niger Delta youths and other Nigerian professionals highlights the importance of developing local talent, creating opportunities for technical expertise and strengthening indigenous capacity across Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors. It also reflects the continued contribution of retired military personnel to national security and development.
From CNG Mobility to LNG-Enabled Marine Logistics
SEEPCO’s focus on indigenous capacity and maritime development also extends to the transportation and delivery of natural gas. The company is pursuing plans to convert 40 existing CNG barges into LNG barges, alongside the development of two dedicated LNG transport barges.
The objective is to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to remote locations, supporting reliable power generation and meeting critical energy needs, particularly in areas where pipeline infrastructure may not offer a practical solution.
While CNG-powered buses, LNG transport barges and the SSV-KALI 3 security support vessel serve different purposes, they reflect complementary aspects of Nigeria’s energy and mobility needs. CNG supports the use of natural gas as a transport fuel, while LNG logistics can help deliver larger volumes of gas to locations that are difficult to reach through conventional pipeline networks.
The KALI 3 project, meanwhile, demonstrates the role of indigenous engineering and maritime expertise in developing specialised vessels locally. Together, these areas of activity illustrate the connection between energy production, transportation infrastructure, maritime capability and local content development.
By linking investments in gas transportation with indigenous engineering and maritime development, SEEPCO is contributing to the capabilities required to support Nigeria’s evolving energy needs.
Sustainability Remains Central to SEEPCO’s Operations
Beyond its partnerships and local content contributions, SEEPCO’s commitment to sustainability has also earned industry recognition. The company received the Sustainability Company of the Year Award at the 2025 NAEC Conference for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, on the same platform where it secured the Government–Private Partner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year in 2026.
SEEPCO continues to advance sustainability through environmental initiatives, community development programmes and partnerships aimed at creating lasting value for its stakeholders. These efforts include reducing its environmental footprint, improving resource efficiency and promoting responsible operations.
The Deputy Governor, Delta State, Chief Monday Onyeme representing His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori , The Governor, Delta State at the SSV-Kali 3 Induction Ceremony on August 18, 2026 (Asemoku Jetty)
In line with this commitment, the company launched the SEEPCO SMILE Campaign in 2025 in partnership with the Nigeria Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC). The campaign extends SEEPCO’s community-focused engagements to the grassroots, with the guiding message, “Bringing Smiles with Each Barrel” and a commitment to “bring smiles to the last mile.”
The company’s sustainability efforts span emissions reduction, cleaner energy adoption, environmental protection, waste management and host community development. Further details are available in SEEPCO’s 2025 sustainability report.
From Recognition to Renewed Resolve, Sterling Oil is committed to Nigeria’s Vision
The company’s back-to-back recognition at the NAEC Conference reflects the importance of its partnerships with government institutions, investment in indigenous capacity and commitment to sustainability. Through these efforts, the company continues to contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector, support local expertise and extend the benefits of its operations to host communities. The recognition also reinforces the role of strong industry partnerships in advancing local content and supporting the country’s broader development goals.
Beyond energy production, its support national development and create meaningful impact through initiatives that unlock indigenous capability, strengthen communities, and advance a more sustainable future for the nation.
Sterling Oil Partners with officials of the Nigerian Police force, to Support Pi-CNG. The initiative was inaugurated by IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc (+) NPM
Inspector-General of Police Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on July 22, 2026.
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