Founded in August 1975, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) is the largest professional body for petroleum geoscientists and allied disciplines in Nigeria and Africa. The organization boasts a diverse and expanding membership exceeding 15,000 individuals and 173 corporate organizations while leading the advancement of petroleum exploration on the African continent.
NAPE is celebrating five decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership in defining Nigeria’s energy sector.
Speaking to journalists in a media parley in Lagos, Johnbosco Uche, said he was excited to speak on behalf of NAPE as the association prepares to mark a momentous milestone in its 50th Anniversary holding on Thursday, 14th August 2025, at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
“Fifty years ago, a group of visionary Nigerian geoscientists came together to build an institution dedicated to excellence, professionalism, and national development. Today, that vision lives on through NAPE, the largest professional petroleum geoscience association in Africa and a beacon of technical leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector.”
A Legacy of Excellence and Impact
Over the past five decades, NAPE has been at the forefront of shaping Nigeria’s energy story. We have contributed significantly to the development of the oil and gas industry through:
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: NAPE has remained a respected voice in national energy discourse, actively engaging with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and government stakeholders to promote sound exploration and field development policies, regulatory reforms, and investment-friendly frameworks that sustain the energy industry.
- Industry-Academia Collaboration: Through strategic partnerships with Nigerian universities and research institutions, NAPE has bridged the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that emerging geoscientists are equipped with industry-relevant skills. Through our University Assistance Program (UAP), NAPE continues to provide equipment, computers, software licenses, books, capacity-building workshops, and mentorship to over 60 geoscience departments across Nigerian universities, helping to nurture the next generation of energy professionals.
- Professional Development and Capacity Building: NAPE has consistently invested in its members, organizing annual conferences, technical workshops, field trips, and specialized training to maintain a world-class standard of geoscience practice in Nigeria.
- Pioneering the Energy Transition and Frontier Exploration: NAPE has led conversations around energy transition, intentional gas development, and frontier basin exploration, helping to define a balanced framework for Nigeria’s energy future, while remaining committed to sustainable development.
The NAPE President stated further that the Golden Jubilee celebration will not only honour the legacy of the past 50 years, but it will also lay the foundation for the next 50 years. The theme of the anniversary “Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa” reflects our renewed commitment to innovation, inclusiveness, and national relevance.
The event will feature:
- Message from the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources
- Keynote Addresses by top industry leaders and government regulators, including the GCEO of NNPC Limited and the CCE of NUPRC.
- A High-Level CEO Panel Session focused on unlocking opportunities for the next 50 years.
- Recognition of 50 Distinguished Awardees professionals and institutions who have shaped the industry.
- Gala Night and NAPE @50 Awards Ceremony, honouring excellence, leadership, and commitment to nation-building.
NAPE invites the media and the public to join us in celebrating this golden moment. We recognize that energy is not just about oil and gas. It is about people, prosperity, and possibilities.
The association is proud to have been a part of Nigeria’s energy journey, and we are even more excited about the future.
Speaking further, the President of NAPE stated thus “As we mark this jubilee, we rededicate ourselves to the ideals of professionalism, innovation, collaboration, and service to Nigeria.”
“We thank our founding members, our past and present leaders, our partners in industry and academia, and every NAPE member who has carried the torch for five decades.
Together, let us pioneer the next 50 years of energy excellence in Nigeria and across Africa.”
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