Uche Ogah to lead Nigeria's 2025 energy conference amid sector transformation
The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) has appointed Mr. Uche Ogah, President of Masters Energy Group, as the Chairman of the 2025 Annual NAEC Energy Conference. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. This one-day conference is expected to host a broad spectrum of influential stakeholders from Nigeria’s oil and gas, power, mines, steel, and solid minerals sectors, including government ministers, regulators, industry operators, and key policymakers.
The conference theme, “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,” reflects the sector’s urgent focus on sustainable advancement and investment. High-profile speakers slated to deliver keynote addresses include Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil); Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC); Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority; and Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Limited. Their participation is poised to provide crucial direction and insight into Nigeria’s energy policy landscape.
The conference programme features three distinct panel sessions designed to cover critical areas of the energy sector. The first session will focus on the upstream petroleum industry, addressing how to optimise opportunities and attract investments for oil and gas production growth. The second session will explore trends and investment potentials in the midstream and downstream segments, including refining, gas processing, and product marketing. The final panel will tackle challenges and innovative solutions within the power sector, encompassing generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy integration to unlock sustainable future potential.
Alongside the thematic discussions, the 2025 event will debut the ‘NAEC Industry Awards’ in a streamlined format aimed at recognising excellence and promoting accountability within the energy sector. According to Dr. Adeola Yusuf, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, this addition exemplifies NAEC’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency, elevating the recognition of outstanding contributions by professionals and organisations alike. Yusuf also highlighted the conference’s reputation as a premier platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking. He mentioned plans for a pre-conference workshop for NAEC members sponsored by a leading Nigerian energy company, which will further enhance professional development opportunities.
The conference is expected to draw a wide array of expertise and leadership, including Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI); as well as CEOs and managing directors from prominent energy companies such as Neconde Energy, Seplat Energy, Renaissance, Rainoil Limited, Sahara Group, and Ikeja Electric. Representatives from Nigerian professional associations and international bodies will also contribute, underscoring the event’s significance as a hub for strategic policy and industry engagement.
Additionally, international participation is anticipated, with potential representatives from key global organisations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The presence of multinational corporations and indigenous firms further sets the stage for a comprehensive exchange on navigating both domestic and global energy trends.
Mr. Uche Ogah, who holds national honours including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), brings extensive industry and political experience, including his previous role as Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. His leadership of Masters Energy Group, a conglomerate with diversified interests, positions him well to guide the conference’s conversations on Nigeria’s complex and dynamic energy landscape.
Registration for the conference has commenced via NAEC’s official channels, inviting energy professionals and stakeholders to participate in what promises to be a benchmark event for Nigeria’s energy sector in 2025.