Africa oil week, NAPE, unite to strengthen Nigeria’s upstream sector

• Published On: 10 February 2025 at 19:52

Africa Oil Week has collaborated with the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers to develop a one-of-a-kind program at AOW 2025 that will focus on Nigeria's upstream sector.

The event is scheduled for September 15, 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

The event organisers described the partnership as a watershed moment for Nigeria's oil and gas industry, highlighting the government, NNPCL, and NUPRC's progress in increasing investment, competitiveness, and operational efficiency.

As Nigeria's upstream sector gains traction, organisers expressed growing excitement about the country's increased presence at AOW 2025.

With major operators already on board, they stated that this edition will be the most impactful yet.

According to the statement, international investors and energy stakeholders are flocking to Accra to explore opportunities across the Transform Margin, prompted by major discoveries in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana's new government's commitment to a competitive regulatory environment.

According to the statement, the Transform Margin will take centre stage in West Africa as the industry seeks new licence opportunities in Nigeria's marginal fields, Ghana's prolific Tano, Keta, and Voltaian Basins, and the untapped potential of the San Pedro Basin to the west.

"The fact that we now have governments across West Africa to show a broader view of the transform margin and its conjugates only explains why uptake to join AOW: Energy 2025 is so strong and further amplifying the excitement surrounding this landmark event" , a statement read.

Mr. Johnbosco Uche, President of NAPE, commented on the collaboration, stating that his organisation has always considered AOW a cornerstone event for Africa's upstream community.

"With AOW hosted in Accra, a short flight from Nigeria, the unprecedented level of interest from Nigerian stakeholders demonstrates that this year's event will be transformative for our industry.

"At AOW 2025, Nigeria's public and private sectors will present a dynamic outlook that highlights the geology of some of the country's most significant M&A opportunities."

"As Africa takes charge of its energy destiny and pushes for upstream growth, AOW and NAPE continue to be the platform where deals are forged, and industry players shape the future" , Uche commented.

Paul Sinclair, AOW's Vice President of Energy, emphasised the importance of the new alliance, saying, "This partnership marks a milestone for the region as AOW refocuses on the exploration and production phase of the oil and gas sector."

He stated that as Nigeria and Ghana increase production, the need for capital investment and deal-making is greater than ever.

"AOW is working tirelessly with operators and financiers to ensure that the 2025 edition produces tangible results and new deals that will shape the industry's future."

"As an all-African partnership between NAPE and AOW, we want to ensure we drive our hydrocarbon sector and ensure Africa and our continent benefits from its vast natural resource potential" , commented Sinclair.

In his remarks, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation's newly appointed CEO, Mr. Edward Bawa, emphasised the country's commitment to hosting a premier gathering of African energy leaders.

Bawa elaborated: "GNPC is fully committed to welcoming all National Oil Company (NOC) CEOs for the 7th APPO NOC CEO Meeting."AOW 2025 will be the ultimate platform for deal-making among the global private sector, Pan-African regulators, and NOCs.

"Hosting this esteemed leadership in Ghana is an honour, and we anticipate a full house of policymakers and executives presenting licensing rounds and open acreage opportunities."