NAEC set to hold annual conference, as Nigeria's energy future, investment top agenda

The Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) has announced that its annual conference will hold on October 9, 2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

Themed “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities, Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,” the event promises to offer a comprehensive examination of the nation’s evolving energy sector amid global energy transition efforts.

In a statement released on Sunday, NAEC Chairman Mr Ugo Amadi underlined that the 2025 edition will be a significant and insightful gathering, reflecting the latest developments within Nigeria’s energy industry.

Amadi revealed that keynote speakers will include Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; and Mr Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The conference will also feature representatives from leading international energy organisations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), alongside chief executives from international oil companies (IOCs), independent energy firms, national oil companies, and other key industry stakeholders.

Amadi stated that the event will conclude with the publication of a detailed report mapping Nigeria’s energy investment landscape. The report will offer policy recommendations for regulatory reform, establish a network of stakeholders, and identify critical investment opportunities within the sector.

Dr Adeola Yusuf, Chairman of the 2025 Conference Planning Committee, described the conference as a platform designed to unite stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to discuss both the challenges and prospects facing Nigeria’s energy sector.

Yusuf pointed out that the agenda will focus on unlocking investment, promoting sustainable growth, and encouraging innovation throughout the energy landscape.

He explained that the conference will conduct an in-depth review of Nigeria’s energy policy and regulatory framework, examining the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) on investment and the roles of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in boosting investor confidence.

Yusuf added, “One key segment of the conference will address ‘Accessing Financing and Investment Opportunities for Gas.’ Panellists will evaluate the current investment climate, infrastructure development, and the roles of local and international financial institutions. They will also consider innovative financing models including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and crowdfunding.”

Speaking on the power sector session, Dr Yusuf said the discussion titled “The Power Solution: Energy Infrastructure, Technology and Integration” will explore issues such as financing challenges post-privatisation, renewable energy integration, and how technology can enhance energy efficiency.