SPE NIGERIA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WORKSHOP

DATE: Monday August 3, 2026

THEME: Collaborative Growth in the Energy Sector: How Young Professionals can Drive Innovation and Competitiveness

SYNOPSIS

The energy sector is evolving rapidly, driven by the global energy transition, technological advancement, changing market dynamics, and the growing need for sustainable and resilient energy systems. In this environment, collaboration has become a critical enabler of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth. As digital natives and emerging leaders, young professionals have a unique opportunity to contribute fresh ideas, embrace new technologies, and foster cross-functional partnerships that will shape the future of the industry.

The theme highlights the vital role of the next generation in advancing Africa’s energy future. Designed for young professionals and recent graduates, the workshop will provide practical insights from industry leaders while encouraging knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaboration.

Through a keynote address and interactive panel discussion, the workshop will explore how young professionals can build the skills, networks, and leadership mindset required to drive innovation, create value, and remain competitive in an evolving global energy landscape.

Ultimately, the Workshop seeks to inspire participants to become active contributors to a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive energy sector, championing the values of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous professional growth.

NAICE 2026 PANEL SESSION 1

DATE: Tuesday August 4, 2026

THEME: Policy in Practice: Aligning Fiscal Strategy, Foreign Investment, and Local Content for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria

SYNOPSIS

Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector stands at a defining crossroads. Policy ideas are plentiful, but meaningful progress depends on translating them into tangible action. This conversation takes a practical turn, looking closely at how fiscal reforms, investment incentives, and local content requirements can genuinely converge to deliver lasting growth. It digs into the real world challenges, exploring what is working, what is falling short, and why certain approaches falter along the way. Regulators, indigenous operators, international oil companies, and industry bodies come together to share honest, grounded perspectives on balancing government revenue targets, investor confidence, and homegrown capacity. The ultimate objective is to uncover realistic, actionable insights that can build a stronger, more competitive, and inclusive energy sector for Nigeria’s future.

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NAICE 2026 PANEL SESSION 2

DATE: Wednesday August 5, 2026

THEME: Industry Leadership and Operational Excellence: Driving Efficiency and Innovation in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

SYNOPSIS

Nigeria’s energy sector faces mounting pressure to do more with less. Operational excellence has become a survival imperative in a high cost, low margin environment. This conversation turns attention to the leaders and innovators who are reshaping the industry through smarter practices, digital tools, and forward looking strategies. It explores how companies are optimising production, reducing downtime, and adopting technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to sharpen decision making. Beyond hardware, the discussion tackles workforce development and the urgent need to build a pipeline of skilled, adaptable leaders. Sustainability also takes centre stage as operators grapple with the realities of energy transition while remaining competitive. The session offers a grounded look at how industry leadership, efficiency gains, and homegrown innovation can secure a resilient future for Nigeria’s energy landscape.

The NAICE 2026 Family Programme is a specialized, multi-day event tailored for spouses and children (ages 0–18) of professionals attending the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council conference NAICE.

It perfectly blends fun, learning, and networking while the main summit takes place.

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Venue: Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Key Features & Activities:

1. Energy4Me: Educational and magical science sessions to spark curiosity in children.
2. Teenagers, Toddler Corner & Play Park: A safe Baby Lounge and “Hakuna Matata” park designed for younger ones. And innovative Educational services from The All Round Child (TRAC) will be on ground to groom the children.
3. Exhibition Access: Spouses and children get exclusive access to the main NAICE exhibition hall, learning and lots of gifts awaits participants.
4. Recreation: Includes family bonding activities like the Family Olympics, shopping sprees at the Orca Shopping Mall, and chances to win exciting prizes.

TOPICAL ISSUES WORKSHOP (TIW)

DATE: Monday August 3, 2026

THEME: The Expanding Role of Independents in Nigeria’s Upstream: Reimagining Ownership, Operations and Financing

SYNOPSIS

The Nigerian upstream industry has undergone significant transformation with Local Operating Companies (LOCs) now leading the ownership of strategic assets and assuming greater responsibility for production growth, reserves development, investment mobilisation and energy security. This is not merely a change of ownership but a fundamental reimagining of how Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources are governed, developed, and financed. This transition presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges that demand thoughtful industry dialogue.

The Topical Issues Workshop will explore the evolving role of independents, particularly in the areas of asset stewardship, operational excellence, financing strategies, regulatory reform, technology adoption and long-term sector sustainability. It will examine how Local Operating Companies are redefining the commercial and operational models that underpin Nigeria’s upstream sector, forging distinct approaches to capital deployment, production optimisation, and social license that reflect the realities of operating in Nigeria. The workshop will further interrogate the financing architectures and supply chain ecosystems that must mature alongside operator capability. The conversation will go beyond diagnosis to curating actionable insights, transferable lessons, and identifying the policy, commercial, and technical enablers that will underpin the growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry for the foreseeable future.

SPE NIGERIA SECTION OFFICERS WORKSHOP

DATE: Sunday August 2, 2026

THEME: From Section Impact to Global Influence: Scaling Volunteer Experience Beyond Borders

SYNOPSIS

Local SPE section activities often create impact that extends far beyond geographical boundaries. This workshop focuses on how section officers can scale local initiatives into regional and global influence through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic networking within SPE’s international framework. Attendees will explore pathways to transition from section leadership to regional and global roles while balancing career growth, demonstrating how volunteer service can open doors to international exposure and leadership opportunities.

Beyond highlighting these pathways, the workshop will showcase practical examples of successful section initiatives that have evolved into regional or global programs, emphasizing the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships, and effective communication in amplifying impact. Participants will gain insights into building cross-border collaborations, engaging with regional and international committees, and leveraging SPE’s global platforms to increase the visibility and sustainability of their initiatives. The session will also explore how volunteer leadership develops critical competencies such as project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration, which are highly valued in the energy industry. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with practical strategies and a clear roadmap to expand their influence beyond their local sections while advancing their professional careers and contributing meaningfully to SPE’s global mission.

NAICE 2026 WOMEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (WLP)

DATE: Tuesday August 4, 2026

THEME: Elevating Leadership through Empathy, Well-being, and HumanCentred DecisionMaking 

SYNOPSIS

This panel discussion on women in leadership, will explore how emotional intelligence, social support, and holistic well-being are redefining leadership in the oil and gas industry. Our panellists will share insights on collaborative leadership, mental health awareness, and community-driven approaches that foster innovation, reduce burnout, and create psychologically safe workplaces. This session is a space for honest dialogue, shared experiences, and collective wisdom to co-create healthier, more resilient leadership cultures.

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NAICE 2026 WLP ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION SESSION

THEME: Building Strong Energy Networks through FemaleDriven Partnerships

SYNOPSIS

In today’s rapidly shifting energy landscape, resilient networks are the backbone of a sustainable future. This session explores how visionary women are forging strategic alliances across the oil and gas value chain and community stakeholders to build energy systems that can withstand shocks, adapt to change, and scale efficiently. The discussion will reveal the unique leadership qualities that enable femaledriven partnerships to navigate complex regulatory environments, integrate innovative solutions, and embed inclusive practices. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on cultivating collaborative ecosystems that not only enhance energy sustainability but also drive equitable growth across the sector.