“Conference will identify key investment opportunities in Nigeria”- Amadi, NAEC Chairman

Oredola Adeola

The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) has announced October 9, 2025, as the date for its annual conference, with the theme: “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities, Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth.”

The event is scheduled to take place at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, and a hybrid (physical and virtual) attendance option is available.

Mr. Ugo Amadi, Chairman of NAEC, in a statement released on Sunday, emphasized that the 2025 edition promises to be robust and insightful, reflecting ongoing developments in Nigeria’s energy industry amid the global push for energy transition.

According to Amadi, keynote speakers headlining the event 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, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Also expected are representatives from international energy organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as Chief Executive Officers of international oil companies (IOCs), independent energy companies as well as national oil companies and other leading industry figures.

Amadi added that the conference will conclude with the release of a comprehensive report highlighting Nigeria’s energy investment landscape, policy recommendations for regulatory reforms, the establishment of a stakeholder network, and the identification of key investment opportunities.

Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Chairman of the 2025 Conference Planning Committee, on his part, stated that the conference aims to bring together stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to deliberate on the challenges and prospects within Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He noted that discussions during the conference will focus on unlocking investment, advancing sustainable growth, and driving innovation across the sector.

Yusuf explained that key topics will include an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s energy policy and regulatory framework, the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) on investment, and the roles of regulatory bodies 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 fostering investor confidence.

He said, “Another major segment of the conference will spotlight “Accessing Financing and Investment Opportunities for Gas”, with panellists expected to assess the current investment climate, infrastructure development, the role of local and international financial institutions, and innovative financing models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and crowdfunding.”

Speaking on the power-focused panel session, Dr. Yusuf revealed that discussions would centre around “The Power Solution: Energy Infrastructure, Technology and Integration.”

He noted that the session will also explore issues such as post-privatisation finance challenges, renewable energy integration, and how technology can drive energy efficiency.