Nigeria faces a critical risk of declining oil production in the coming years. This stark warning comes from Johnbosco Uche, President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). Uche stressed that renewed investment in exploration and new discoveries must be pursued immediately.
Speaking at a media parley ahead of NAPE’s 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Uche affirmed that increased exploration funding is essential. This investment is crucial for securing long-term energy stability and achieving sustainable national development.
The Dual Challenge of Energy Security
This year’s conference carries a powerful theme. It is scheduled for November 9 to 13, 2025, in Lagos. The theme is: “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.”
Uche explained the significance of the theme. It directly addresses Nigeria’s urgent need to ensure energy availability, affordability, and stability. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of positioning the oil and gas sector to remain competitive amidst the rapidly shifting global energy landscape.
As the energy transition accelerates, Nigeria confronts a dual mandate. It must sustain petroleum exploration and production. Simultaneously, it must build a foundation for a diversified, low-carbon energy future.
“The theme speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s national priorities ensuring energy availability, stability, and affordability, while also positioning our petroleum sector to thrive in a rapidly changing global energy environment,” Uche said.
Mandatory Actions to Avert Decline
Uche emphasized that energy security must remain central to all national development planning. He cautioned that without consistent exploration efforts, the country’s production profile could significantly falter within the next decade.
He outlined several urgent steps required to successfully reposition the sector:
- Reignite Exploration: Reviewing well classification is needed to attract investment back into mature basin exploration.
- Refocus Strategies: International oil companies and independent firms must refocus their exploration efforts.
- Boost Production: Production capacity must be increased through optimized field development and the integration of modern technologies.
These measures are vital if the nation is to meet its ambitious 2030 targets of three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day.
Gas as a Transition Fuel
The NAPE president also urged accelerated development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources. He views gas as a crucial transition fuel. It is capable of powering industries, driving economic growth, and supporting the country’s quest for cleaner energy.
Uche called for several supportive actions: new seismic data acquisition, stronger geoscience research, and enhanced collaboration among government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and capacity building.
These critical issues will form the core of discussions at the 43rd NAPE Annual Conference. The event will feature an Opening Ceremony, Executive and Technical Sessions, and an Awards Ceremony. The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Monday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Uche characterized the 2025 gathering as “a pivotal gathering” for all stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s pursuit of economic stability and energy independence.
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