Nigeria risks oil production drop without new discoveries – NAPE

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Johnbosco Uche, has warned that Nigeria’s oil production could decline in the coming years if new exploration efforts and discoveries are not urgently pursued.

Speaking at a media parley ahead of the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of NAPE, scheduled to take place from November 9 to 13, 2025, in Lagos, Uche said that renewed investment in exploration is critical to ensuring long-term energy security and sustainable development.

This year’s conference is themed “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.”

According to him, the theme reflects Nigeria’s pressing need to guarantee energy availability, stability, and affordability while preparing the oil and gas industry to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

“The theme speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s national priorities—ensuring energy availability, stability, and affordability, while also positioning our petroleum sector to thrive in a rapidly changing global energy environment,” Uche said.

He noted that as the energy transition accelerates, Nigeria faces a dual challenge of sustaining petroleum exploration and production while laying the groundwork for a diversified, low-carbon energy future.

“We cannot achieve this without deliberate policy alignment, increased investment, and a renewed exploration drive,” he stressed.

Uche emphasised that energy security must remain at the centre of national development planning, warning that without consistent exploration, the country’s production profile could falter in the next decade.

He listed several urgent actions required to reposition the sector, including reigniting mature basin exploration through a review of well classification to attract investment, refocusing exploration strategies among international oil companies and independents, and boosting production capacity through optimised field development and the use of modern technologies.

These measures are crucial if we are to meet the nation’s 2030 target of three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day,” he added.

The NAPE president also urged accelerated gas development as a transition fuel to power industries, drive economic growth, and support Nigeria’s quest for cleaner energy. He called for new seismic data acquisition, stronger geoscience research, and enhanced collaboration among government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and build capacity.

He explained that these issues and more will form the core of discussions at the 43rd NAPE Annual Conference, which will feature an Opening Ceremony and All-Convention Luncheon, Executive and Technical Sessions, and an Awards Ceremony at the President’s Night and Awards Night.

Uche described the 2025 edition as “a pivotal gathering” for stakeholders as Nigeria works toward economic stability and energy independence.

“As we strive to achieve economic stability and energy independence, our actions today must secure the energy of tomorrow. NAPE remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s petroleum industry continues to be a catalyst for development and sustainability,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the media for their continued support, describing journalists as critical partners in shaping public understanding of the energy sector.

“Your role in amplifying the national energy conversation remains invaluable. Together, let us continue to ensure that our ideas continue to find oil and gas,” Uche said.

He disclosed that the opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Monday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.