Connect with us

Oil & Energy

NUPRC To Sustain Competitive Licensing Rounds … Prioritize Frontier Basin Exploration 

Published

9 months ago

on

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving oil production and achieving energy efficiency in the country.
The Commission’s Chief Executive Officer (CCE), Gbenga Komolafe, expressed optimism about the Commission’s forward agenda which includes: sustaining competitive licensing rounds, accelerating frontier basin exploration; fast-tracking the reactivation of shut-in and dormant assets;
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), in Lagos, Komolafe stated that with 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, and 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil, Nigeria which currently produces approximately 1.8 million barrels of oil and 8 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, can increase its production to 3 million barrels of oil and 12 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
According to him, realizing these ambitious targets require sustained investment to unlock untapped basins, advance the development of mature and frontier fields, and establish critical oil and gas infrastructure to secure future energy needs as well as support the demands of the growing population.
“The above narratives underscore the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, driven by transformative reforms under the PIA, Presidential Executive Orders, supportive policies, tax incentives, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
“With abundant natural resources, and a large, youthful, future-ready and innovative workforce, Nigeria stands as a compelling and competitive destination for both existing investors and new entrants seeking to participate in our dynamic and promising energy landscape.
“There are new frontier opportunities in onshore, shallow water and deep offshore blocks, especially in underexplored basins, enabled by our new licensing rounds regime.
“There are also other vast and compelling transformative opportunities particularly in natural gas development, gas-to-power initiatives, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects, FLNGs and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation infrastructure, aimed at enhancing both export capacity and domestic energy supply.
“In addition, attractive green investment prospects exist in decarbonisation technologies and renewable energy solutions, as well as a wide range of other investment and business opportunities in project financing, investment and technical services”, he said.
He noted that despite the fact that infrastructure deficits and investment apathy, fuelled by the global energy transition and environmental concerns, still exist, they are not insurmountable, adding that with well-informed strategies and robust collaboration across local and regional stakeholders, these obstacles can be effectively addressed.
He was optimistic about the Commission’s forward agenda which includes: sustaining competitive licensing rounds, accelerating frontier basin exploration; fast-tracking the reactivation of shut-in and dormant assets; advancing the 1MMBPD initiative; expanding evacuation infrastructure to secure production volumes; deploying the Advanced Cargo Declaration System to curb crude theft and improve export transparency; guaranteeing steady domestic crude supply to refineries; enforcing Executive Orders #40–42 to boost commercial viability, operational efficiency, and local content participation; advancing social investment, and regional energy integration; operationalizing our decarbonisation strategies and enabling carbon market participation, and deepening gas commercialisation efforts across all initiatives.
Komolafe, who spoke on the keynote Address “Evolution of Oil and Gas Revolution In Nigeria: Opportunities achievements and Regulatory Strategies for upstream resources optimization “, commended NAPE for its landmark achievements for the past five decades in the oil and gas sector
“It is with deep appreciation and thoughtful reflection that I join you in celebrating NAPE’s 50th Anniversary, a remarkable milestone in the journey of an institution that has been the intellectual engine and professional cornerstone of Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
“For five decades, NAPE has stood as a pillar of geoscientific excellence, driving strategic exploration, advancing industry knowledge, and building critical bridges between academia, government, and the energy sector. This golden jubilee, themed “NAPE @ 50: Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa,” is far more than a celebration; it marks a defining moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and forward-looking energy future for Nigeria and the African continent.
“As we mark NAPE’s golden jubilee, we are reminded that this celebration is not just about the past, but about charting the course for the future. The regulatory evolution in Nigeria’s upstream sector has laid the foundation for a more resilient, transparent, and investor-ready enerugy landscape.
“Let us recommit ourselves to deepening our exploration frontiers and translating resources into inclusive prosperity”, he said.
Komolafe, who was honoured with the “Corporate Partner Energy Policy Reform Award”, said the transformative impact has been remarkable adding that the nation’s oil and gas sector has seen a significant surge in investment through new investors, empowered by clarity and quality in the sector.
“Oil and Gas reserves and production have increased, while rig counts have surged from 8 in 2021 to 43 currently, with projections to reach 50 by the end   of the year. This momentum reflects a bold new chapter; one driven by ambition, resilience, and opportunity”, he said.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Oil & Energy

Global Energy Crisis Is Reviving Green Hydrogen

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 27, 2026

By

The global energy crisis has reshaped global energy priorities seemingly overnight. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed to virtually all commercial traffic for well over a month now, severely restricting global flows of oil and gas. As a result, global energy prices have skyrocketed, and supplies have tightened, pushing many countries to explore alternative energy pathways in a big hurry. This has led to an unfortunate resurgence of coal-fired power, especially in Asia – but it is also set to supercharge the clean energy industry on a global scale. And one of the unlikely benefactors of this groundswell of new investment may be the green hydrogen industry.
China, the world’s top hydrogen producer, is planning to ramp up production of hydrogen, and especially green hydrogen, more quickly than previously planned in order to shore up its energy security as import-dependent Asian markets are rocked by skyrocketing oil and gas prices. China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has referred to hydrogen as a “strategic lever” for national energy autonomy and resilience, and has pledged to accelerate the development of the domestic sector accordingly.
China’s 15th five-year plan, released last month, flagged hydrogen as a “future industry.” But, apparently, the future is now. According to a recent report from the South China Morning Post, the rhetoric around hydrogen coming out of China signals a shift away from research and toward rapid practical development of the sector.
Last year, the NEA earmarked 41 projects in nine regions across the country to lead hydrogen pilot projects all along the value chain “from production and transport to storage and application.” Now, leadership is pushing to bring those projects out of demo phases and into industrial applications as quickly as possible.
European leaders, too, are pivoting to embrace green hydrogen production with renewed enthusiasm. Earlier this month, ministers from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain petitioned the European Union to loosen production regulations to encourage investment into the sector. And Italy successfully approved a €6 billion state aid plan to support renewable hydrogen.
Even the United States is getting on board. This week, the Trump administration instructed the Department of Energy to save $5 billion worth of hydrogen hubs that were slated for closure. The hydrogen projects – though not green hydrogen ventures – were funded under the Biden administration in order to promote cleaner-burning fuel sources.
Hydrogen could potentially be a critical pathway for decarbonization, as it combusts at high heat like fossil fuels. But, unlike fossil fuels, when it burns, it leaves behind nothing but water vapor. This could make it indispensable for the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors like steelmaking and shipping. However, the vast majority of commercial hydrogen is made with fossil fuels. Green hydrogen, by comparison, is made using renewable energies.
But while hydrogen, and especially green hydrogen, could be a key part of the global clean energy transition, research and development in the sector had been cooling for years, as commercial and cost-effective green hydrogen production methods largely failed to materialize. “Even if production costs decrease in line with predictions, storage and distribution costs will prevent hydrogen from being cost-competitive in many sectors,” Roxana Shafiee, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard University Center for the Environment, told The Harvard Gazette in 2024. Shafiee led a study that found cause to believe “that the opportunities for hydrogen may be narrower than previously thought.”
But the economics of energy are changing as we speak, and the global hydrogen market is likely about to see a windfall as the world rushes to replace geopolitically risky fossil fuels, which have become prohibitively expensive overnight. Clearly, global leaders are already reembracing the fledgling sector as part of an all-of-the-above approach to energy security and independence. While hydrogen may not be a silver bullet solution, it could be a critical part of a more diverse and therefore more resilient global energy landscape going forward.
By Haley Zaremba
Continue Reading

Oil & Energy

PETAN Tasks Indigenous Oil Firms On Investments Attraction    … Global Engagement Sustenance

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 27, 2026

By

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has urged indigenous oil and gas companies to deepen global engagement and attract investment.
The Association urged intending participants to leverage the forthcoming 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in the U.S. to expand their access to new technologies and partnerships.
PETAN said its participation at the global event would be driven by a deliberate strategy to position Nigerian firms as competitive players within the international energy value chain.
In a statement issued  by the Association’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Joan Faluyi, In Lagos, at the weekend,  PETAN would anchor its activities at the Nigerian Pavilion, with the theme: “Africa’s Energy Transformation: Scaling Investment, Technology, and Local Capacity for Sustainable Growth”.
Faluyi noted that the conference, scheduled for May 4 to May 7 in Houston, Texas, remained a leading platform for offshore energy dialogue, partnerships and innovation.
According to her, PETAN’s participation goes beyond routine attendance and reflects a focused effort to strengthen Nigeria’s visibility and influence in global energy discussions.
“At OTC 2026, PETAN is returning with stronger alignment and a clearer objective, to ensure Nigerian companies are not just present, but actively engaged and recognised as credible global partners,” she said.
Faluyi explained that the association had consistently showcased the capabilities of indigenous oil and gas service providers at previous editions of the conference, reinforcing their capacity to compete internationally.
She added that the Nigerian Pavilion would serve as a strategic hub for investment discussions, technical exhibitions and direct engagement with global stakeholders.
The association is also scheduled to participate in key engagements, including the African Energy Forum, the NCDMB–OEM Investment Forum and the PETAN Golf Tournament slated for May 7 at Quail Valley Golf Course, Texas.
Faluyi described OTC as a critical gateway for Nigerian companies seeking international opportunities, noting that visibility and engagement at the event often translate into commercial partnerships.
“In an increasingly competitive energy landscape, securing a seat at the global table is essential. Through sustained participation, PETAN continues to assert Nigeria’s place in that conversation,” she said.
Also speaking, PETAN Chairman, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, said the Association’s focus was to ensure that indigenous capacity is fully integrated into global energy decision-making processes.
“We have seen firsthand how global energy decisions are shaped at OTC. This year, we are returning to ensure indigenous Nigerian capacity is not just present but recognised, engaged and heard.
“We are taking our businesses to the table where real partnerships are formed,” he said.
Faluyi added that under Ogunsanya’s leadership, PETAN was prioritising strategic positioning to ensure Nigerian companies are not only visible but considered credible partners in major international energy projects.
Continue Reading

Oil & Energy

Solar Panels Imports Ban: Experts Recommend Phase -out Approach 

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 27, 2026

By

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have warned that an abrupt restriction on solar panels imports would undermine electricity access.
The experts called for a gradual phase-out of imports over several years rather than an outright ban.
Recall that the federal government had announced plans to halt solar panel imports after investing more than N200 billion to encourage domestic production.
Speaking at the Solar Power Media Training, in Abuja, last week, the Campaign Director, Secure Energy Project (SEP), Joseph Ibrahim, said stakeholders support the goal of building local manufacturing capacity but cautioned against sudden policy shifts.
“Let me be clear, we wholeheartedly support local manufacturing of solar panels”.
“We want to see factories in our states, jobs for our youth, and a supply chain that begins and ends on our soil”, he stated.
Ibrahim insisted that the most effective path forward is a carefully managed roadmap implemented over three to five years to give investors and workers time to adjust.
“If we rush this, we risk making solar power too expensive for the millions who currently rely on it for survival.
“By taking a phased approach, we allow time for investors to build their plants, for our workers to learn specialised skills, and for our economy to adjust without losing power”, he said.
The SEP director said policy stability, access to financing, and strict quality standards are essential to building a sustainable local solar manufacturing industry.
“To make local manufacturing a reality, we don’t just need new laws; we need an enabling environment. This means stability — policies that don’t change with the wind,” he said.
Also speaking, Tosin Asonibare,  said renewable energy has become a critical solution to Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply challenges.
He cited findings by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, indicating that many Nigerians remain unaware of the proposed import restrictions and their potential implications.
According to him, respondents in the report largely favoured a phased ban supported by incentives for importing raw materials needed for local production.
“The report also shows that infrastructure for locally manufactured panels is not fully available, so there is need for foreign direct investment improvement in government policy.
“So that the local manufacturers and assembling companies can have higher capacity to meet demand. If that is not done, the price of solar panels will go up”, he said.
He warned that affordability could become a major concern for consumers if restrictions are implemented without adequate preparation.
Continue Reading

Trending