Lagos, Nigeria – March 28, 2025 The Gas Investment Forum (GIF) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) for the 3rd edition of the forum, scheduled to take place from October 7-8, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. This collaboration aims to enhance the Upstream Gas & Exploration Hotspot session, focusing on unlocking investment opportunities in deepwater gas exploration and the non-associated gas markets.
As Africa’s largest professional association for petroleum explorationists, NAPE has been a driving force in advancing petroleum exploration and production in Nigeria since its establishment in 1975. With a diverse membership of geoscientists, engineers, and energy professionals, NAPE has played a critical role in uncovering new geological frontiers and attracting investments into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Recently, NAPE has led efforts to unveil some of Nigeria’s most promising geological discoveries and exploration opportunities, aiming to drive local and international investments in the country’s hydrocarbons industry.
The Gas Investment Forum 2025, themed “Charting New Opportunities for Investment, Growth, and Industrialization,” serves as a premier platform for energy leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to convene and shape the future of Nigeria’s gas sector. A key highlight of the forum will be the Investment Leadership Roundtable, where top industry executives will share insights and strategies for positioning Nigeria as Africa’s gas powerhouse.
NAPE’s participation as a strategic partner underscores its commitment to fostering investment in deepwater gas exploration. The association has long been at the forefront of screening new ventures, uncovering world-class geological plays, and driving exploration activities. Through this partnership, NAPE will showcase Nigeria’s upstream gas opportunities to a global audience, facilitating discussions that will drive investment, innovation, and technological advancements in the sector.
Recent developments in Nigeria’s deepwater sector highlight its immense potential. In April 2024, a Final Investment Decision (FID) was reached on the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas Project, a half-a-billion-dollar initiative that had remained undeveloped since its discovery in 1965. This milestone reflects increasing investor confidence in Nigeria’s deepwater ventures. Additionally, Nigeria has risen to become one of the top three countries globally for deepwater oil and gas projects, a significant improvement from its previous standing among 13 indexed nations. This recognition underscores the country’s enhanced competitiveness and attractiveness in the deepwater sector.
With over 200 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves—a figure that is projected to rise to 600 Tcf upon the completion of ongoing exploration campaigns—Nigeria possesses some of the largest untapped natural gas resources in the world. Major deepwater discoveries, such as the Bonga, Egina, and Zabazaba-Etan fields, continue to demonstrate Nigeria’s potential as a gas investment hotspot. However, unlocking these opportunities requires robust infrastructure, strategic investments, and favorable policy frameworks—key areas that will be addressed at GIF 2025.
With a strong legacy of promoting industry best practices, NAPE aligns with Nigeria’s objectives of enhancing domestic energy security, optimizing hydrocarbon monetization, and driving economic growth while ensuring a just energy transition. As Nigeria seeks to expand its gas reserves and address energy poverty, NAPE’s presence at the Gas Investment Forum will also emphasize workforce development and the promotion of a competitive domestic market.
NAPE has consistently fostered collaboration among Nigerian, African, and international oil and gas professionals—critical partnerships that are essential for the sustainable exploration and production of Nigeria’s abundant reserves. The association shares a common vision with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in advancing the country’s energy sector, enhancing innovation, and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
Additionally, NAPE actively supports talent development through training programs and business discussions, helping to shape the next generation of oil and gas professionals. This initiative highlights the urgency of redefining educational approaches to equip students and young professionals with the skills required to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
As a strategic partner at GIF 2025, NAPE will actively contribute to key discussions on sustainable upstream operations, deepwater gas development, and local content advancement. Through collaborative efforts and shared objectives, NAPE and the Gas Investment Forum aim to drive positive change, attract investment, and chart a new course for the African energy landscape.
Gas Investment Forum (GIF) is West Africa’s premier energy investment platform for accelerating investments and fostering collaboration across the gas value chain. The forum convenes industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore new opportunities and develop strategic solutions that drive industrialization, energy security, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and beyond.
Discover unparalleled opportunities (sponsorship, investment showcase tradeshow, speaking and delegate bookings) at www.gasinvestmentforum.com.
Founded in 1975, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) is Africa’s largest professional association for geoscientists, engineers, and other energy professionals dedicated to the advancement of petroleum exploration and production in Nigeria. NAPE plays a vital role in shaping industry standards, promoting technological innovation, and facilitating investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
