The Chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Lagos Section and Secretary of the SPE Nigeria Council, Uju Igbokwe, has called for stronger collaboration, accelerated gas development and deliberate investment in young professionals as Nigeria seeks to strengthen energy security and drive sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the opening of Lagos Energy Week 2026, Igbokwe described natural gas as a strategic resource capable of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape while supporting industrialization, economic expansion and environmental sustainability.
The four-day conference, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, from February 16 to 19, was themed “Sustainable Growth Through Gas: Building Energy Security for Lagos, Nigeria and West Africa.” The event brought together policymakers, industry executives, academics, investors, innovators and young professionals to explore practical solutions for addressing the region’s growing energy demands.
In her opening remarks, Igbokwe said the conference serves as SPE Lagos Section’s flagship platform for dialogue, innovation and industry collaboration, stressing that meaningful conversations must translate into measurable action.
“We are here not only to talk, we are here to walk the talk,” she told participants.
According to her, natural gas remains one of the most viable pathways for improving energy reliability, supporting industrial growth and meeting the energy needs of millions across Nigeria and West Africa.
She noted that unlocking the full potential of the resource would require stronger partnerships among government institutions, industry players, academia and other critical stakeholders.
The conference featured high-level discussions on Nigeria’s evolving gas sector and broader energy transition ambitions. Among the key speakers was Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy at NNPCL, who emphasized the need for disciplined execution to achieve the country’s gas-to-prosperity objectives.
Also speaking, Ed Edubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, provided updates on the implementation of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, while Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, outlined the state’s plans to expand energy infrastructure and improve energy access.
The discussions highlighted recurring themes of investment, innovation, policy alignment and human capital development as essential drivers of sustainable growth within the energy sector.
Beyond energy security and infrastructure development, Igbokwe placed significant emphasis on nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. She urged experienced professionals to play a more active role in mentoring younger practitioners and creating pathways for career advancement.
“Please engage with the young ones. Speak to them, show them the way, show them the ropes,” she said.
She reiterated SPE Lagos Section’s commitment to expanding mentorship programmes, learning opportunities and professional development initiatives aimed at equipping young professionals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy industry.
According to Igbokwe, the future of Nigeria’s energy sector will depend not only on the country’s resource base but also on its ability to foster innovation, strengthen partnerships and invest in people.
“The future of our industry will be shaped not only by the resources we possess, but by our willingness to collaborate, innovate and invest in people,” she said.
“Lagos Energy Week provides an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and collectively contribute to solutions that will strengthen energy security and sustainable growth across Nigeria and West Africa.”
Other notable participants at the conference included Francis Nwaochie, Chairman of the SPE Nigeria Council, Dr. Riverson Oppong, SPE Africa Regional Director, alongside industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts from across the energy value chain.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges of a changing energy landscape, stakeholders at Lagos Energy Week agreed that gas development, strategic collaboration and talent development will remain critical pillars for achieving long-term energy security and sustainable economic growth.
