The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, joined Shell executives and other industry stakeholders during a ministerial tour of the Shell exhibition pavilion at the 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
The visit formed part of activities at one of Africa’s largest energy conferences, where government officials, international energy companies, investors, technology providers, and industry experts gathered to discuss the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Furthermore, the engagement highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with industry operators to drive investment, increase production, improve energy security, and support sustainable economic growth.
Showcasing Industry Innovation
During the ministerial tour, the delegation visited Shell’s exhibition stand to explore technologies and innovations designed to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the energy value chain.
Furthermore, company representatives highlighted ongoing investments in exploration, production, gas development, digital transformation, and environmental stewardship aimed at supporting Nigeria’s energy transition objectives.
Innovation continues shaping the future of the petroleum industry.
Strengthening Government-Industry Collaboration
The presence of senior government officials alongside industry leaders underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s energy sector.
Furthermore, stronger partnerships between policymakers and private investors remain essential for creating a stable business environment capable of attracting long-term investments and accelerating industry growth.
Constructive engagement supports policy implementation.
Focus on Oil and Gas Development
The Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference continues to serve as an important platform for discussing opportunities within the petroleum industry.
Furthermore, participants examined strategies for increasing crude oil production, expanding natural gas utilisation, improving refining capacity, and enhancing operational efficiency across the sector.
The conference also provides opportunities to address emerging global energy trends.
Driving Investment Confidence
Government officials reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating favourable conditions for investors.
Furthermore, ongoing reforms within the petroleum industry are designed to improve regulatory certainty, encourage capital inflows, enhance operational transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within the global energy market.
Investor confidence remains critical to sector expansion.
Supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition
Natural gas and cleaner energy solutions featured prominently during discussions at the conference.
Furthermore, industry stakeholders highlighted the importance of balancing energy security with sustainability by promoting gas development, reducing emissions, and encouraging investments in cleaner technologies.
Nigeria continues positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel.
NNPC Ltd. Reinforces Industry Partnerships
The participation of NNPC Ltd. Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari reflected the national oil company’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships with international and indigenous energy companies.
Furthermore, collaboration across the industry is expected to improve production efficiency, optimise existing assets, and support long-term value creation.
Partnerships strengthen operational performance.
Nigeria’s Energy Sector Looks Ahead
The ministerial visit to the Shell pavilion demonstrated the Federal Government’s continued engagement with major stakeholders driving Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Furthermore, through sustained collaboration, policy reforms, technological innovation, and increased investment, Nigeria aims to strengthen its position as a leading energy producer while supporting economic diversification, job creation, energy security, and sustainable national development.
The 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference continues to provide a valuable platform for shaping the future of the country’s dynamic energy industry.
About The Author
