Johnbosco Uche, President of NAPE
…NAPE has consistently demonstrated as the knowledge hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
…Members’ expertise has driven discoveries, shaped policies and built indigenous capabilities across the upstream sector.
-Felix Douglas
In his welcome address at Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Johnbosco Uche, President of the Association revealed that this year’s conference holds special significance as stakeholders gathered to exchange knowledge, insights, and innovations that will shape the future of the industry.
Speaking further Uche added that “Our conference theme – “Revitalizing the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development” is both timely and relevant. It underscores the urgent need for a deliberate & transformative approach in driving exploration and production, ensuring Nigeria meets its current energy demands while securing a sustainable and prosperous future.”
The NAPE President said over the years, the Association has consistently demonstrated to be the knowledge hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Its members’ expertise has driven discoveries, shaped policies, and built indigenous capabilities across the upstream sector. From the earliest discoveries in the Niger Delta to the ongoing efforts in frontier basins, NAPE’s impact is evident in every chapter of Nigeria’s exploration story.
“The challenges before us are clear. Nigeria has recently experienced a recovery in oil and gas production, reversing the historical trend of decline. We are making progress toward achieving the 2030 target of 3 million barrels of oil per day, and 12 bcf of gas. However, exploration activity remains below expectations. We must replace reserves and unlock vast untapped resources and unappraised discoveries that are critical to our energy security and economic resilience. We need to discover new oil and gas today to sustain the production of tomorrow.”
To revitalize exploration, Uche was of the opinion that operators must return to data-driven innovation, integrated basin analysis, and investment-enabling policies. The regulators and industry must work together to create the environments that attract new investments, incentivize exploration, and unlock near-field and deep basin opportunities.
Equally important is the need to embrace technology and digital transformation – artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced subsurface analytics to enhance exploration efficiency, reduce risks, and accelerate reserve replacement.
“As we pursue revitalization, we must not overlook the most critical asset, our people. The future of our industry depends on our ability to nurture and empower the next generation of geoscientists and energy professionals. Through our University Assistance Program, mentorship initiatives, and student chapters, NAPE continues to build bridges between industry and academia, ensuring that our young professionals are equipped to sustain and lead the industry into the future.”
The President of NAPE called on all operators and service companies to embed structured internship, graduate training, and mentorship programmes into their operational frameworks. The human capital must be continuously renewed, as it cannot build a sustainable industry on an aging workforce alone. The energy transition is reshaping the global energy landscape.
For Nigeria, the journey to net zero must be rooted in energy security, affordability, and national development. Natural gas remains the country’s transition fuel, and with the right strategies, Nigeria can achieve both sustainability and economic growth.
Uche urged all stakeholders – government ministry, regulatory agencies, academia, investors, and industry players to collaborate intentionally.
“Let us leverage our collective expertise to design and implement strategies that will revitalize exploration, increase production, and ensure energy access for all Nigerians.
Together, let us revitalize, rethink, and reignite the strategies that will drive Nigeria’s energy future for energy security, sustainable development, and national prosperity.”
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