The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council is gearing up to host the 48th edition of its Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), a flagship event slated for August 4-6, 2025, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. This year’s conference, themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy,” aims to convene key stakeholders from Nigeria’s energy sector to deliberate on the critical aspects of a just and inclusive energy transition. The conference will explore the integration of technological advancements, human capital development, and strategic policy frameworks to drive sustainable energy practices in Nigeria and position the nation as a leader in the global energy transition. The overarching goal is to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving energy landscape.
A central focus of NAICE 2025 is the strategic use of technology to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability within the energy sector. The conference will delve into the applications of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital twin technologies across the energy value chain. These technologies are expected to revolutionize operations by improving predictive maintenance, optimizing resource allocation, and minimizing environmental impact. Discussions will address how AI and data analytics can enhance decision-making processes, enabling companies to better anticipate and mitigate risks while simultaneously boosting productivity and profitability. The exploration of digital twin technology will highlight its potential to create virtual replicas of physical assets, allowing for simulations and analyses that can lead to improved design, operation, and maintenance practices.
Another key theme of the conference is the localization of the supply chain within Nigeria’s energy sector. By fostering domestic manufacturing, logistics, and service delivery, the conference aims to reduce reliance on foreign dependencies and stimulate economic growth within the country. This focus on local content development is expected to create skilled employment opportunities, boosting local economies and promoting indigenous technological innovation. Discussions will revolve around strategies to strengthen the domestic supply chain, ensuring its resilience and responsiveness to the needs of the energy sector. The conference will also examine the role of government policies and incentives in fostering local content development and attracting investments in local manufacturing capabilities.
Human capital development and workforce transformation are crucial components of the NAICE 2025 agenda. Recognizing the evolving skill requirements of the energy sector, the conference will dedicate sessions to upskilling and reskilling initiatives for the digital economy. This includes equipping professionals with the necessary competencies to navigate the technological advancements shaping the industry, such as AI, data analytics, and automation. The conference will also address strategies for attracting and retaining a new generation of tech-savvy energy professionals, ensuring a pipeline of talent to drive innovation and sustain the industry’s future growth.
SPE Nigeria is committed to fostering the next generation of energy leaders through various strategic initiatives. The conference will highlight these programs, which include mentorship programs for young professionals, academic partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and innovation challenges to encourage creative solutions to energy-related challenges. A significant emphasis will be placed on the Women in Energy platform, which aims to empower and promote women’s leadership within the sector. These initiatives collectively aim to nurture a diverse and inclusive energy workforce, equipped to tackle the complex challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.
NAICE 2025 is poised to be a pivotal event for Nigeria’s energy sector, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and young professionals to chart a course towards a sustainable energy future. The conference will serve as a platform for collaborative discussions, knowledge sharing, and the development of actionable strategies to leverage technology, enhance local capacity, and cultivate a skilled workforce. By addressing the complexities of the energy transition, NAICE 2025 aims to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals and its position as a key player in the global energy landscape. The call to action is clear: to embrace innovation, foster local talent, and implement policies that will drive a just and inclusive energy transition for the benefit of all.