Lokpobiri Billed For NAPE 50th Anniversary

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, will lead other dignitaries to the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists.

The event, scheduled to be held on August 14, is to celebrate NAPE’s 50 years of aiding the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas company.

Others expected at the event are the group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari; the chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission; CEOs of major oil companies; NAPE past presidents and founding members; professional associations’ executive members and others.

NAPE president, Johnbosco Uche, at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, said as the foremost body of geoscientists and petroleum exploration professionals in Nigeria, NAPE is proud to share its significant milestones, initiatives, and forward-looking vision for the energy sector.

He said, “We are celebrating five decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership in defining Nigeria’s energy sector. Founded in August 1975, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists is the largest professional body for petroleum geoscientists and allied disciplines in Nigeria and Africa.

“Our organisation boasts a diverse and expanding membership exceeding 15,000 individuals and 173 corporate organisations while leading the advancement of petroleum exploration on the African continent.

“This year marks a major milestone for us—the 50th anniversary of the NAPE. Our golden jubilee celebration will be held in August 2025 under the theme ’NAPE @ 50: Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa’. This theme is not just a reflection of our legacy but a bold declaration of our continued relevance in shaping Africa’s energy future,” he said.

He disclosed that for five decades; NAPE has been at the forefront of significant discoveries and developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“From initiating and advocating for landmark policies like the first marginal field bid round in 2003 to consistently bridging the gap between industry and academia, promoting cutting-edge research, and advancing technology adoption in hydrocarbon exploration—our impact is far-reaching. This achievement demonstrates our accomplished history while demonstrating our forward-looking dedication to lead Africa’s energy development,” he stated.

Uche noted that the occasion will provide a strategic platform to define the framework for rejuvenating the Niger Delta basin through the indigenous onshore and shallow offshore operators as well as frontier basin exploration for gas.

“We aim to generate ideas that will enable an increase in production, unlock new reserves, and ensure energy security for Nigeria and the African continent over the next 50 years,” he added.

The event, which will be held at Eko Hotels and Suites, will involve a high-level panel session, a golden jubilee gala night award presentation, and others.

He added that the NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition will be held in Lagos from November 9 to 13, bringing together stakeholders from across Nigeria and the global oil and gas industry.