Can you introduce the purpose of NAPE and provide some historical background?

NAPE was founded in 1975, and NAPE's primary mission is to advance petroleum exploration efforts. Our members are crucial in finding oil and gas reserves, and with an estimated 600 tcf of undiscovered gas in Nigeria, much work must be done. Beyond exploration, we actively advocate, working closely with the federal government to offer insights and recommendations. For example, the marginal field initiative, which began in 2003, originated from a NAPE conference communique. We continue to play an influential role in shaping industry policies.

Beyond exploration and advocacy, we prioritize human capital development. Our university programs aim to bridge the gap between academia and the industry by equipping lecturers and students with modern skill sets. We provide grants, donate computers, and organize training programs, often collaborating with industry partners. We are committed to training the next generation of professionals while also providing a platform for cross-learning and knowledge sharing opportunities to ensure the industry's sustainability. We recognize the challenge of an aging workforce and the need to develop the right skill sets for future industry leaders. We leverage the expertise of experienced Nigerian professionals, many of whom have retired, through mentoring initiatives.

NAPE has a diverse membership base, including individual and corporate members. We have over 12,000 individual and more than 170 corporate members, including oil and gas producing companies. These corporate members contribute financially and participate in our initiatives. They receive priority access to events like our annual conference; the next one will be held in Lagos from November 9th to 13th. 

What are your thoughts on gas exploration and its future in the country?

When oil was first discovered in Nigeria in the 1950s, the focus was primarily on oil, and gas discoveries were often viewed as failures. Consequently, most of the gas produced today is associated gas found alongside oil, rather than from intentional non-associated gas exploration. However, this is changing. The Nigerian government has introduced incentives to attract investors in non-associated gas exploration. The domestic gas market is also becoming more appealing with improving prices.

Nigeria possesses over 200 tcf of proven gas reserves, with an estimated 600 tcf yet to be discovered. To meet the country's electricity demands of around 40,000 MWs, we require approximately 8 bcf/d, considering that 200 mmcf is needed to generate 1,000 MWs. This requirement increases significantly, including export demands. However, our current reserve replacement ratio is below the required threshold, indicating we are not discovering enough gas to meet future needs. There is an urgent need to explore deeper and utilize advanced technology to efficiently discover and develop additional gas reserves.

We will engage with the National Assembly to push for policies that support gas exploration and production. We need to focus on using advanced seismic imaging techniques and emerging drilling technologies to explore new gas opportunities and develop them. 

Can you discuss exploration and production opportunities in Nigeria?

Nigeria has experienced increased FDI, particularly since the presidential directives last year. Recent investments by major companies like TotalEnergies and Shell demonstrate growing investor confidence. However, there is a strong need to focus on frontier basins. NAPE wants to collaborate with the government to organize a Frontier Business Workshop. This workshop will focus on the Chad Basin, Benue Trough, Anambra Basin, and deeper offshore areas like the Niger Delta's Oligocene and Eocene deposits. These underexplored areas hold significant potential for discoveries, and we need to attract investments for exploration. 

The NUPRC wants oil production to increase by one million barrels daily. Is this feasible?

It is achievable. The government has set a production target of 2.06 mmb/d for 2025, aiming to reach 3 mmb/d. However, achieving this target hinges on addressing above-ground risks, such as infrastructure deficits and security challenges. Nigeria has an aging pipeline infrastructure that requires significant investment. Fortunately, there are fiscal incentives for pipeline investment, which should attract investors. We must also address pipeline security issues to ensure consistent production levels. Recent divestments by international oil companies have already led to increased production. With the right technological approach and collaborative efforts, indigenous companies can gain more confidence and get positive results from frontier exploration planning and execution.