Nigeria May Face Oil Production Decline Without New Exploration, NAPE Warns
Nigeria may face a sharp drop in crude oil production in the coming years if the country does not urgently invest in new oil exploration and discoveries. This warning came from the President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Johnbosco Uche. He spoke ahead of the association’s 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for November 9 to 13, 2025, in Lagos.
Uche explained that Nigeria’s energy future depends greatly on how much effort is put into discovering new oil reserves. He said that although Nigeria has been producing oil for decades, many of the fields currently in use are aging, and output from them will continue to reduce over time if new fields are not developed. According to him, renewing exploration investment is necessary to protect the economy and secure long-term national energy stability.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development.” Uche said the theme reflects Nigeria’s urgent need to ensure that energy remains available, affordable, and reliable. He also stressed that the petroleum industry must adjust to the global shift toward cleaner and renewable energy sources while still maintaining strong oil and gas production.
He noted that Nigeria is currently facing two important challenges at the same time. One challenge is to keep producing oil and gas to support the economy. The second is to begin preparing for a future where renewable and cleaner energy will play a bigger role. To do this successfully, Uche said the country must create clear policies, attract investors, and return focus to aggressive exploration activities.
Uche listed some key steps that need to be taken. These include reviewing exploration policies to attract investors, encouraging international and local oil companies to expand exploration efforts, and using improved technologies to boost production. He said these actions are necessary if Nigeria hopes to meet its target of producing three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas daily by 2030.
He also highlighted the importance of developing natural gas as a transition fuel. According to him, gas can help power industries, create jobs, and support environmental goals as the world moves toward cleaner energy. He encouraged new research, more data gathering, and stronger partnerships among government, universities, and industry players.
The 43rd NAPE Annual Conference will bring together policymakers, energy experts, investors, and researchers. The event will feature technical discussions, leadership sessions, networking events, and an awards night. Uche described the conference as an important moment for Nigeria as it works toward economic stability and energy independence.
He thanked journalists for consistently supporting national conversations on the energy sector, saying the media plays a vital role in shaping how Nigerians understand energy-related issues. He called for continuous collaboration to ensure that the country remains informed about developments in the energy space.
