NNPC Limited is set to play a prominent role at the opening day of the 2026 Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026), with its top executives and technical experts leading major addresses, panel discussions and workshops at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The conference, Africa’s largest upstream oil and gas gathering, is themed “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience” and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors and energy professionals to discuss the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The day’s activities will commence with the Industry Address by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, at the official opening ceremony scheduled for 11:10 a.m. His presentation is expected to outline NNPC Limited’s strategic direction and perspectives on navigating the evolving global energy landscape.
Later in the day, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, will deliver the keynote address at the Young Professionals Workshop themed “Collaborative Growth in the Energy Sector: How Young Professionals Can Drive Innovation and Competitiveness.” The session, beginning at 1:40 p.m., will focus on talent development, innovation, workforce retention and stronger collaboration among operators, service companies and regulators.
At 2:15 p.m., Ibukunoluwa Dagunduro, Reservoir Engineer at NNPC E&P Limited, will moderate a high-level panel on “Collaborative Growth in the Energy Sector.” The discussion will examine how operators, joint venture partners, regulators and service companies can deepen collaboration in field development, reservoir management and project execution to enhance operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
Also featuring prominently is Lawal A. Musa, Senior Business Advisor to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, who will speak at 2:30 p.m. on “The Expanding Role of Independents in Nigeria’s Upstream: Reimagining Ownership, Operations and Financing.” His session will explore emerging ownership models, operatorship, joint venture financing, reserve-based lending, pipeline integrity, evacuation infrastructure and decommissioning responsibilities.
The strong lineup of NNPC Limited executives and professionals underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening technical capacity, promoting industry collaboration and shaping conversations that will define the future of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
The conference will continue over the next three days with technical sessions, exhibitions, workshops and strategic dialogues aimed at advancing sustainable growth and resilience across Africa’s energy industry.
