NAEC Updates

Sahara Group, NAEC partner on capacity development

Published

7 months ago

November 26, 2025

Sahara Group, in partnership with the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), has unveiled its “Making A Difference: Workshop” (#M.A.DWithNAEC), a capacity-building initiative designed to promote excellence and sustainability in energy reporting.

The annual workshop, scheduled for October 6, 2025, in Lagos, will precede the NAEC Annual Energy Conference taking place on October 9.

The 2025 NAEC Energy Conference will convene policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and journalists to deliberate on key issues shaping Nigeria’s energy future. The workshop will serve as a strategic prelude, equipping correspondents to deliver impactful coverage during the conference and beyond.

In a joint statement, Sahara Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Bethel Obioma, and NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, said the workshop reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the role of journalists in driving Nigeria’s energy reforms and advancing the global energy transition.

“At Sahara, we believe accurate, responsible, and insightful reporting has the power to shape perception, attract investment, and promote transparency in the energy sector,” Obioma noted. “Through #M.A.DWithNAEC, we are investing in journalists to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while fostering knowledge sharing and sustainability.”

He added that every headline and analysis influences how the energy sector is perceived, stressing the need to equip correspondents for impactful storytelling.

Amadi, on his part, said the initiative will empower reporters to effectively set agendas, provide checks and balances, and deepen public understanding of critical industry issues.

“As we prepare for our annual conference, we are delighted to collaborate with Sahara Group on this laudable initiative. Continuous learning is a core value at NAEC, and we look forward to broadening perspectives that inspire trust and accountability in energy reporting,” he said.

The workshop will feature sessions led by industry experts including Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric Plc., Kingsley Okotie, CEO of Cabtree Ltd; Olabode Sowunmi, and Editorial Board member at Daily Trust, Vincent Nwanma.

NAEC Updates

NAEC conference to tackle barriers limiting indigenous energy firms

Published

1 month ago

May 11, 2026

NewsNexis Africa

By Ambrose Nnaji

The Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) has announced plans for its 2026 Annual Conference, with discussions expected to focus on removing barriers confronting indigenous operators and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness across the oil, gas, power, solid minerals, and renewable energy sectors.

The conference is scheduled to hold on October 8, in Lagos under the theme: “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth.”

The announcement was contained in a statement jointly signed by the NAEC Chairman, Ugo Amadi, and the Conference Chairman, Adeola Yusuf.

According to the organisers, the conference theme is intended to stimulate industry-wide conversations around the changing priorities of International Oil Companies (IOCs), emerging frontier exploration opportunities, and the need to improve indigenous operators’ access to high-value oil and gas assets.

The conference is also expected to examine regulatory reforms aimed at eliminating obstacles facing technically competent indigenous companies while enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness in the global energy market.

NAEC noted that its annual conference has continued to serve as a major agenda-setting platform for stakeholders across the oil, gas, and power value chain.

Speaking on the significance of the conference, Amadi said the theme was carefully selected to reflect pressing developments within both the Nigerian and global energy landscape that require urgent attention.

He explained that discussions would focus on how indigenous oil and gas companies can improve operational efficiency, scale up production, attract investment, and rebuild investor confidence in the sector.

According to him, the conference will feature three high-level panel sessions designed to examine how IOCs and indigenous operators can reposition the industry for sustainable growth, improved productivity, and stronger competitiveness.

On his part, Yusuf said the conference would place strong emphasis on deepening local capacity development within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.

He noted that indigenous companies are increasingly playing strategic roles alongside IOCs in strengthening energy infrastructure, enhancing energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.

Yusuf added that sessions covering the oil, gas, and power sectors would focus on setting new performance benchmarks and advancing practical solutions capable of accelerating industry growth.

The conference chairman disclosed that the event is expected to feature keynote addresses from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, among other industry leaders.

He further stated that the conference is projected to attract more than 300 delegates and over 20 speakers, including chief executives, regulators, policymakers, financiers, and technology experts from across the energy industry.