By Gideon Osaka
The global oil community is gathering once again in Abuja for the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2024, scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, Nigeria, from February 26 to March 1, 2024.
With full backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria and building on the success of previous editions of NIES formerly called Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS), the focus of the 2024 edition will be on “Navigating the new energy world order: Security, Transition, and Finance.” In an era defined by unprecedented shifts in energy landscapes, the Summit promises to be a pivotal platform for dialogue and strategic collaboration. The event aims to dissect the complexities of the evolving energy paradigm and chart a course towards a sustainable and secure global energy future.
The Summit’s theme underscores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the global energy sector. As nations grapple with the imperatives of climate change, geopolitical shifts and economic dynamics, the need for a collective and strategic approach becomes ever more apparent. The event will convene thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and financial stakeholders to delve into three critical pillars: Security, Transition and Finance.
Expectations of President Bola Tinubu’s participation at the Summit are factored on the need to elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global energy community and foster collaborations beyond geographical boundaries.
An array of internationally acclaimed speakers has generated traction for the event and the expected outcomes from the robust deliberations. These include H.E Haitham Al Ghais, OPEC Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), H.E Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and H.E. Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General, International Energy Forum (IEF).
From the industry, distinguished speakers include Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman, International Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)/ Waltersmith Group, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Country Chair/CEO, Shell Companies in Nigeria/ Chairman, Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brittania-U. Other notable speakers are Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, GCEO, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, Managing Director, SNEPCo, Mr. Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman, Platform Petroleum Ltd/ Chairman, AA Holdings Limited, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, CEO, TotalEnergies, Mr. Shane Harris, CEO, Exxonmobil Nigeria, Mr. Adewale Tinubu, GCEO, Oando Plc, and a host of others.
NIES, the official oil and gas meeting of the Federal Government of Nigeria, has over the years evolved into a must-attend industry event for all industry stakeholders.
The theme of the summit, ‘Navigating the new energy world order: Security, Transition, and Finance.’ reflects the imperative for stakeholders in the energy industry to collaboratively address challenges related to security, adapt to the changing energy landscape, and mobilize financial resources for a sustainable and resilient future.
With on-going reforms in the sector and improved engagement with host communities, Nigeria is positioning herself to be the foremost oil and gas investment destination.
Over 5,000 diversified local and international delegates across the various sub-sectors and disciplines in the energy, oil and gas vast value chain all harvesting from the panel sessions by experts, thought leaders, and practitioners, makes the event more profound. The NIES stands as a testament to the commitment of the global community to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by the dynamic energy landscape. It is a rallying point for all stakeholders to contribute to a shared vision that transcends boundaries and paves the way for a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Since its inception, NIES has been a great success as it is now considered as the major platform for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and Africa in general to show its success stories, the plans and investment opportunities and provide a stage for exchanging information and ideas about issues that are related to the industry. The event is a convergence of African and global energy heavyweights and it is a reflection of Nigeria’s unique place on the map of oil and gas industry regionally and internationally.
As Nigeria’s official petroleum and pan-Africa event, NIES is designed as a meeting place for the oil and gas industry to introduce new technologies, share ideas that will lead to development of new strategies. The 1st edition in 2018 attracted high-level attendance from across the continent and beyond.
NIES 2024 offers an opportunity for the nation to outline how local companies can lend a hand to the advancement of the country’s petroleum industry as they work to boost output. It also provides a networking platform for key political decision-makers, government officials and industry specialists, facilitating closer interaction of Nigerian political decision makers, government officials, industry specialists, leaders in the private sector and oil and gas sector, resulting in cross pollination of ideas. In addition, the well-coordinated international exhibition provides great opportunities for companies to showcase their expertise and market their goods and services, directly to key decision makers.
Under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC, NIES which continues to be West Africa’s leading oil and gas event, is the established meeting place for the entire Nigerian oil and gas value chain from ministries and government organisations to leading international and indigenous producers and service providers.
As the summit unfolds, it is expected to crystallize a collective vision for navigating the new energy world order. The insights and outcomes are poised to influence policies, inspire innovation, and drive collaborative efforts towards a more secure, sustainable, and economically viable energy future.