Special Report
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (BATICC), Abuja, wore a colourful and business-like atmosphere as thousands of delegates, ministers, chief executive officers, investors, diplomats, regulators, engineers, exhibitors, visitors and technology experts from across the world converged on the nation’s capital for the 25th anniversary edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week organized by DMG Events.
The silver jubilee edition of the conference reflected how the event has evolved over the past two and a half decades into one of Africa’s leading gatherings for the oil and gas industry. Virtually every section of the expansive exhibition halls was filled with participants exploring business opportunities, networking, exchanging ideas and showcasing innovations designed to shape the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Adding to the grandeur of the opening ceremony was a massive ultra high definition digital screen stretching almost from one end of the stage to the other, giving the conference hall a world class outlook as speakers delivered presentations before an audience made up of government officials, investors and energy professionals.
DMG Events, the organisers of the conference, assembled an impressive mix of multinational oil companies, indigenous operators, financial institutions, service providers, manufacturers and technology firms, creating an environment that encouraged business interactions and strategic partnerships throughout the week.
Beyond the conference sessions, the exhibition halls remained a major attraction as delegates moved from one stand to another to witness technological innovations ranging from digital oilfield solutions and drilling equipment to pipeline surveillance systems, gas infrastructure and renewable energy technologies.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, ministers, heads of government agencies and industry leaders embarked on a tour of the exhibition stands where they interacted with exhibitors and received briefings on emerging technologies capable of improving operational efficiency, safeguarding critical infrastructure and enhancing productivity across Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Declaring the conference open, the Minister of Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said Nigeria is once again attracting global attention as a preferred destination for energy investment following reforms introduced by the Federal Government.
Lokpobiri stated that international demand for Nigerian crude oil continues to rise, stressing that the country’s immediate responsibility is to increase production in order to take full advantage of the growing market.
“The world wants Nigerian crude oil. Our responsibility is to produce more crude oil,” the minister said.
He stated that the Federal Government is committed to sustaining policies that provide certainty for investors, improve the operating environment and encourage fresh investments in the upstream petroleum sector.
According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous hydrocarbon resources capable of supporting economic growth, creating jobs and generating increased revenue if production targets are achieved through stronger collaboration between government and industry operators.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described natural gas as the nation’s transition fuel and one of the strongest drivers of industrialisation and economic diversification.
Ekpo stated that the Federal Government remains committed to expanding gas infrastructure, deepening domestic gas utilisation and encouraging investments capable of unlocking the country’s enormous gas reserves.
He urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities within Nigeria’s gas industry, adding that stronger collaboration among government institutions, private investors and development partners would accelerate infrastructure development, improve energy security and stimulate industrial growth.
The minister further stated that the conference continues to serve as an important platform for building partnerships that will support the Federal Government’s gas expansion agenda and long term economic development objectives.
Providing the industry’s perspective and scorecard, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said Nigeria’s energy sector is entering a new phase built on innovation, efficiency and strategic collaboration.
Ojulari stated that NNPC Ltd is committed to increasing crude oil production, expanding gas development, improving operational performance and creating greater value through partnerships with local and international investors.
He noted that reforms within the petroleum industry have strengthened investor confidence while positioning Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global energy market.
According to him, technology, innovation and improved operational efficiency will continue to play a central role in unlocking Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources and supporting sustainable growth across the sector.
One of the busiest exhibition stands throughout the conference belonged to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, where delegates, investors, government officials and industry stakeholders gathered to witness demonstrations of the company’s advanced surveillance technologies.
The company displayed sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, alongside other modern surveillance systems designed for monitoring oil pipelines, detecting illegal activities and protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure from vandalism and crude oil theft.
Administrative Manager of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Daisy Jaja, received visitors at the stand and professionally explained the company’s operations, technological capabilities and expanding contributions to the protection of Nigeria’s strategic oil assets.
She also highlighted the company’s recent diversification into world class integrated mechanized rice farming, explaining that the initiative represents the company’s commitment to supporting food security, employment creation and national development while maintaining its leadership in pipeline surveillance and asset protection.
As activities continued inside the exhibition halls, delegates took advantage of the opportunity to interact directly with exhibitors, inspect equipment and explore new technologies designed to improve efficiency across the oil and gas value chain. The aisles remained busy throughout the day as business executives, engineers, investors and policymakers exchanged ideas, held private meetings and discussed potential areas of collaboration.
The exhibition featured a broad range of solutions covering drilling operations, engineering services, pipeline maintenance, gas processing, digital technologies, automation, renewable energy and other innovations aimed at improving productivity and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s energy industry.
Another stand that attracted considerable attention was that of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the operator of the former Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Joint Venture. In addition to engaging stakeholders on its operations and ongoing activities, the company distinguished itself by offering free medical services to delegates, exhibitors and visitors throughout the conference.
Doctors and other medical personnel attended to participants by conducting blood pressure and blood sugar checks, providing medical consultations and offering basic healthcare advice. The initiative was widely appreciated by delegates, many of whom described it as a thoughtful addition to the conference.
Away from the exhibition stands, conference rooms hosted technical sessions where experts examined issues affecting the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Deliberations centred on increasing crude oil production, expanding gas infrastructure, strengthening local content, deploying new technologies and creating a more competitive investment environment.
Panel discussions equally examined financing options for major energy projects, the role of digital technology in improving operational efficiency, environmental sustainability and strategies for positioning Nigeria to benefit from emerging opportunities in the global energy market.
Between the technical sessions, delegates gathered in meeting rooms, lounges and designated networking areas where discussions continued on prospective investments, commercial partnerships and technology transfer. Business cards exchanged hands almost as frequently as handshakes, reflecting the conference’s reputation as a platform where business relationships are initiated and strengthened.
For many exhibitors, the conference provided an opportunity not only to showcase products and services but also to engage directly with regulators, policymakers and prospective clients. Company representatives remained busy throughout the exhibition responding to enquiries, arranging follow up meetings and demonstrating technologies to interested visitors.
The strong turnout by international delegates, indigenous operators, financiers and service providers further underscored Nigeria’s enduring relevance in Africa’s oil and gas industry despite changing dynamics within the global energy landscape.
The quality of participation, extensive exhibition, high level policy engagements and sustained business interactions marked the 25th anniversary edition as another significant milestone for DMG Events, whose consistent organisation of the conference over the years has helped establish it as one of Africa’s leading platforms for energy dialogue, investment promotion and business development.
As the conference enters its final day today, attention is expected to focus on the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding and strategic commercial agreements involving government institutions, energy companies, investors and development partners. The agreements are expected to cover areas including upstream investments, gas infrastructure development, technology deployment, local content, financing and broader collaboration aimed at supporting Nigeria’s long term energy objectives.
Beyond the speeches and exhibitions, this year’s conference demonstrated the growing confidence of both local and international stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The convergence of policymakers, investors, operators and technology providers at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre reaffirmed the role of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week, organised by DMG Events, as a major platform for shaping conversations, building partnerships and advancing investments that will influence the future of the country’s energy sector.
