Nigeria Risks Oil Production Drop Without New Discoveries – NAPE

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Johnbosco Uche, has warned that Nigeria’s oil production could decline in the coming years if new exploration efforts and discoveries are not urgently pursued.

Speaking ahead of the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of NAPE, scheduled for November 9–13, 2025, in Lagos, Uche stressed the need for renewed investment in exploration to ensure long-term energy security and sustainable development.

This year’s conference is themed “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development,” reflecting the country’s need to guarantee energy availability, stability, and affordability while preparing the oil and gas industry to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

Uche highlighted the dual challenge Nigeria faces: sustaining petroleum exploration and production while laying the foundation for a diversified, low-carbon energy future. He called for deliberate policy alignment, increased investment, and a renewed exploration drive.

He warned that without consistent exploration, Nigeria’s production profile could falter within the next decade. Urgent actions include reigniting mature basin exploration through a review of well classification to attract investment, refocusing exploration strategies among international oil companies and independents, and boosting production capacity through optimised field development and modern technologies.

“These measures are crucial if we are to meet the nation’s 2030 target of three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day,” he said.

Uche also advocated for accelerated gas development as a transition fuel to power industries, drive economic growth, and support Nigeria’s cleaner energy ambitions. He emphasised the need for new seismic data acquisition, stronger geoscience research, and enhanced collaboration among government, industry, and academia to foster innovation and build capacity.

The 43rd NAPE Annual Conference will feature an Opening Ceremony, All-Convention Luncheon, Executive and Technical Sessions, and an Awards Ceremony at the President’s Night and Awards Night. Uche described the 2025 edition as a pivotal gathering for stakeholders working toward economic stability and energy independence.

He expressed gratitude to the media for their continued support, describing journalists as vital partners in shaping public understanding of the energy sector. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.