L-R: Olajumoke Ajayi, President Elect of NAPE, Johnbosco Uche, President of NAPE, Somime Oguntola, Publicity Secretary of NAPE and Frank Phido, at the media parley to unveil the forth coming 50th anniversary of NAPE in Lagos.
…NAPE @ 50 celebrations provides a strategic platform to define framework for rejuvenating the Niger Delta.
-Felix Douglas
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.
This year marks a major milestone for NAPE and its 50th anniversary.
Speaking at a press conference and media parley in Lagos, Johnbosco Uche, President of NAPE, stated that; “Our golden jubilee celebration will hold in August 2025 under the theme:“NAPE @ 50: Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa. This theme is not just a reflection of our legacy, but a bold declaration of our continued relevance in shaping Africa’s energy future.”
The NAPE President made it known that for five decades; the association has been at the forefront of significant discoveries and developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. From initiating and advocating for landmark policies like the first marginal field bid round in 2003, to consistently bridging the gap between industry and academia, promoting cutting-edge research, and advancing technology adoption in hydrocarbon exploration. The impact is far-reaching. This achievement demonstrates the accomplished history while demonstrating our forward-looking dedication to lead Africa’s energy development.
Uche disclosed at the media parley that NAPE @ 50 celebrations will also provide a strategic platform to define the framework for rejuvenating the Niger Delta basin through its indigenous onshore and shallow offshore operators as well as frontier basin exploration for gas.
NAPE aims to generate ideas that will enable increase in production, unlock new reserves, and ensure energy security for Nigeria and the African continent over the next 50 years.
The event will be held in Lagos 14th August, 2025 with a high-level panel session that will X-ray the past 50 years and defining the energy landscape for 50 years. There will be Golden Jubilee Gala Night which combines legacy recognition with pioneer awards and NAPE future direction presentation.
Also, the event will feature NAPE Legacy Documentary & Historical Timeline from1975 to 2025) this is a reflective journey through five decades of impact. There will be commemorative magazine: a publication that will contain retrospective articles as well as visionary pieces from both seasoned industry professionals and young talent.
NAPE 50th anniversary will host crème de la crème of the oil and gas industry such as: Minister of Petroleum Resources, Group CEO, NNPC Limited, CCE NUPRC, CEOs of major IOCs and Indigenous Operators, NAPE Past Presidents and Founding Members, professional associations’ executive members from AAPG, SPE, NMGS and other organizations.
The academia representatives and media leaders and industry analysts will also be in attendance.
Responding to questions from journalists, the NAPE President said it is a one day event to celebrate the birthday of the association with a panel session where senior executives will discuss issues and setting framework.
He applauded the divestment made by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) paving way for indigenous companies such as: Renaissance, Seplat, Chappal and Oando including other indigenous companies.
NAPE will work together with these companies to see how they fare well in progressing forward since its members are involved.
“You cannot succeed in finding oil and gas without having our members because we are explorers and our ideas find oil.”
“We will set the framework for the next 50 years agenda, and we believe that the new discoveries that were going to be finding will be driven by this indigenous Nigerian companies.”
On the aspect of gas, the NAPE President acknowledged Nigeria’s vast abundant reserve making it number one in Africa and globally, the country is ninth position.
But where the issue lies is that even though the country is number one in Africa, it is not even at the top 10 in terms of production. There’s a gap.
There are issues in terms of infrastructure with aging pipelines that need to be replaced. Network of gas distribution and insecurity issues and gas distributors are facing challenges. It is not how to get the gas but how it is being distributed to end users.
For the electricity Generation Companies (GenCo), NAPE President submitted that the challenge is value chain issue. The GenCos need to get the gas at the right time and infrastructure to get it is weak. They can only get the gas that is available and even when they get the gas; they are faced with transmitting to Distribution Companies (DisCo). There are issues with the entire value chain.
Notwithstanding, Nigeria has over 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas with 600 tcf more to be discovered.
To serve 90 million Nigerians without electricity, the country needs to generate about 30,000 to 40,000 megawatts of electricity. At present, the country generates under 5000.
According to the NAPE President, in the last one year, there has been an improvement in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Although the country is struggling in terms of discovery in the last 10 years because it still hovering around 30 billion barrels of oil reserve and about 200 tcf of gas which hasn’t changed. This is due to some challenges but the future is bright with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He gave credit to the government in terms of some improvement arising from divestment and innovations in the industry.
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