Nigeria's Energy Conferences Emphasize Local Content and Youth Development

At the Society of Petroleum Engineers Africa Technology Conference on June 16, 2026, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare, Group Executive Director of Pan Ocean/Newcross Petroleum, argued that Africa must shift from merely meeting local‑content compliance to building industrial capability. He highlighted Nigeria’s rapid growth in indigenous participation – upstream firms rising from fewer than 10 in 2010 to 117, service firms to 11,764, and indigenous stakes climbing to over 60% – creating more than 141,000 direct jobs. Ogundare called for a broader industrial strategy that couples strict regulation with long‑term investment in technology, financing, skills development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area to turn participation into capability ownership.

During Lagos Energy Week 2026, SPE Lagos Section Chairperson Uju Igbokwe underscored natural gas as a catalyst for economic growth, energy security, and industrial development across Nigeria and West Africa. The event, themed “Sustainable Growth Through Gas,” brought together industry leaders, government officials, and young professionals. Igbokwe urged greater collaboration, mentorship, and innovation to nurture the next generation of energy leaders, echoing the conference’s focus on youth development and sustainable progress.