ABUJA — The National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to expand frontier exploration and promote human capital development in the oil and gas sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During a courtesy visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, NAPE President Johnbosco Uche led a delegation of executives to meet with NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation in discovering new oil and gas reserves and enhancing the skills of industry professionals.
Ojulari welcomed the delegation and commended NAPE for its longstanding contribution to Nigeria’s petroleum industry. He said NNPC remains committed to working with professional associations like NAPE to support the Federal Government’s drive toward energy security and sustainable development.
“Our doors are always open to collaboration,” Ojulari said. “We see NAPE as a key partner in advancing frontier exploration and building the technical capacity needed to deliver on Nigeria’s energy goals.”
Frontier exploration, which focuses on discovering new hydrocarbon reserves in underexplored regions, remains a major priority for NNPC as part of efforts to boost domestic production and strengthen the nation’s revenue base. The initiative aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which emphasizes expanding Nigeria’s energy resources responsibly.
NAPE President Uche emphasized the association’s readiness to provide technical expertise and research support for ongoing and future projects. He noted that collaboration between industry and professional bodies was essential for tackling challenges facing the sector.
“NAPE members are passionate about the future of Nigeria’s energy industry,” Uche said. “We are ready to work closely with NNPC to drive innovation, enhance exploration activities, and develop the next generation of petroleum professionals.”
The discussion also covered human capital development, particularly through collaboration with the NNPC Academy. Both parties agreed that training and mentorship programs would play a critical role in sustaining industry growth and ensuring the availability of skilled talent.
According to Uche, NAPE plans to partner with the NNPC Academy to design specialized training sessions for geoscientists and exploration engineers. These programs aim to build local capacity and equip young professionals with the latest tools and knowledge in exploration technology.
Ojulari reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, adding that the company’s transformation into a limited liability entity has strengthened its drive for efficiency and innovation. He highlighted that partnerships with institutions like NAPE would help bridge the skills gap and prepare Nigeria for emerging opportunities in energy transition and frontier development.
Analysts say the renewed cooperation between NNPC and NAPE could help accelerate exploration in frontier basins such as the Chad, Benue Trough, Anambra, and Sokoto basins. These regions are viewed as promising targets for boosting the country’s crude oil and gas reserves.
The visit concluded with both organizations expressing optimism about future engagements and joint projects aimed at sustaining Nigeria’s position as a leading player in Africa’s energy landscape.
Founded in 1975, NAPE is Nigeria’s foremost professional body for geoscientists, dedicated to promoting exploration and development of petroleum resources. The association has been a key platform for industry research, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy.
With NNPC’s expanding mandate and NAPE’s technical expertise, the partnership is expected to foster innovation, support local content development, and contribute to the nation’s long-term energy security.
As Nigeria intensifies its efforts to grow its reserves and develop human capital, the collaboration between NNPC and NAPE marks another step toward ensuring a sustainable and globally competitive oil and gas industry.
