Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The National Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd., to accelerate frontier exploration and strengthen human capital development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the NAPE leadership to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja. The delegation was led by NAPE President, Johnbosco Uche.
Speaking during the visit, Ojulari emphasized NNPC’s unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy frontiers and promoting innovation-driven exploration.
He noted that strategic partnerships with professional bodies such as NAPE remain crucial in sustaining the nation’s hydrocarbon base and achieving long-term energy security.
“The future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector depends on collaboration, research, and the continuous development of our human capital. We welcome NAPE’s partnership in our drive to expand frontier exploration and promote knowledge sharing across the industry,” Ojulari stated.
On his part, NAPE President, Johnbosco Uche, commended NNPC for its leadership in exploration and development efforts, particularly in frontier basins.
He expressed the Association’s readiness to support NNPC’s initiatives through technical expertise, research collaboration, and professional training programmes.
“NAPE is proud to partner with NNPC in advancing exploration activities across the country. We share the same vision of unlocking new reserves, building industry competence, and ensuring the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s energy sector,” Uche said.
He added that the Association would work closely with the NNPC Academy to promote capacity building for young geoscientists and other professionals in the oil and gas value chain.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, frontier expansion, and sustainability, pledging to harness local expertise and global best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the evolving energy landscape.
The meeting ended with a mutual agreement to institutionalize joint technical sessions and research collaborations aimed at accelerating exploration success and developing the next generation of industry professionals.
