NIES has proved its credibility, relevance and growing global influence

By Ejekwu Chidiebere

Energy Window International (Media) – Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) formerly NIPS (Nigeria International Petroleum Summit) was the outcome of several years of efforts to knit into a comprehensive whole what could possibly serve as a veritable platform for addressing Nigeria’s energy policy instability issues, inadequate or limited investment opportunities, and how best to fashion out strategies for attracting and possibly sustaining major global participation in the oil and gas sector to effectively utilize the country’s vast energy resource potentials. It is common knowledge that Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer leading other energy players on the continent.

Recognizing the gaps and the need to close them, the government of Nigeria rose and confronted the challenge by conceiving an idea of a summit that could possibly,

Present Nigeria’s oil and gas investment opportunities directly to global stakeholders,
Accelerate dialogue on policy reforms and sector restructuring,
Attract foreign direct investment into upstream, midstream, and downstream segments and possibly,
Facilitate public-private engagement and strategic partnerships.

The idea for the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) was first and formally disclosed in 2017 by Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, then Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. According to Kachukwu, there was need to bring Nigerian officials together with international oil companies (IOCs), investors, and service providers, showcase the country’s oil and gas potential, and perhaps build the needed confidence in Nigeria’s energy reforms and transparency measures.

The first NIPS which was held in Abuja from 19–23 February 2018, under the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari (late) was launched as an “inclusive and high-profile” conference and exhibition, with more than 30 countries represented. Key features included: over 1,000 participants and more than 90 exhibitors, with engagement spanning across critical oil and gas value chain topics but with greater emphasis on reviving investor interest in Nigeria and African hydrocarbons. The theme was, “Deepening Collaboration in the African Oil and Gas Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for Investment” — with focus on pan-African industry cooperation and investment.

Year 2020 was the Covid year and the 3rd edition of (NIPS). Its theme was: “Widening the Integration Circle: Technology, Knowledge, Sustainability and Partnership”.

Key takeaways from that convocation according to the event Organizers – Brevity Anderson included:

Broad discussion on technology transfer, sustainability, expertise sharing, and industry partnerships,
Launch of the National Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC) by the Federal Government—a major regulatory milestone enabling gas market development and,
Showcase and demonstration by Shell WalterSmith, NLNG, and Dangote Refinery of their ongoing projects, including gas, refining, and upstream technologies, highlighting the progress they have made across them.

Attendance at the event was much more than anticipated.

By 2021 (4^th Edition & Transition Year), and considering the global energy discourse which was rapidly shifting towards energy transition and the need for cleaner fuels, the clarion call for decarbonization and technological breakthrough, the need for expansion beyond crude oil, and the incorporation of gas and renewables as critical energy sustainability sources, and of course the need for Nigeria to maintain its relevance within the broader context, NIPS was rebranded and rechristened NIES.

Major takeaways were also highlighted by Brevity Anderson to among others include,

Continuation of the summit as a central platform for industry strategy discussion despite the emerging energy transition context and,
Reinforcing conversations that would drive later energy transition and diversification agenda.

Of course the purpose for broader energy convocation had envisaged certain fundamental energy industry imperatives including,

Aligning with the global energy transition goals,
Incorporating gas and renewables within the expanded energy policy dialogue,
Fineturning the strategies for positioning Nigeria as both a petroleum resource hub, as well as an integrated energy leader in Africa and for Africans.

According to the then Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva, “The rebranding was in line with the global agenda for energy transition and the need for us to remain relevant and ahead”. By rebranding, the themes and scope of the platform were expanded to accommodate energy transition, security, finance, gas commercialization, and renewable integration – all of which were added to bring to limelight a broader platform – which also raised the bar of the forum, as well as strengthened its contents to fully justify its designation as Africa’s premier energy investment and policy dialogue platform, not limited to petroleum alone.

The 2022 edition (2^nd) of NIES, and the (5^th edition) since its inauguration had its key highlights to include,

The official recognition of the forum as Nigeria’s official energy event by the Federal Government
Setting the agenda for a strategic push for energy transition dialogue, with emphasis on gas as a key transition fuel toward cleaner energy future
Strengthening the discussion and reinforcement levels on the role of gas through the “Decade of Gas” initiative (declared in 2020) while emphasizing the need for Nigeria to exit from Joint Venture cash call funding, enabling a shift of focus towards domestic gas utilization and industrialization.

The theme for that year was, “Revitalizing the Industry: Future Fuels and Energy Transition.”

The 6th (NIES) was in 2023. It was a step-up, in terms of content and color, from the previous years. Its theme was: “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future”. Key features were captured to include,

Presenting broader framing of energy, sustainability, and global investor engagement beyond traditional petroleum and,
Continuation of government and private discussion on aligning Nigeria’s energy strategy with global sustainability objectives

The theme for the 7th edition – (NIES) in 2024 was, “Navigating the New Energy World Order: Security, Transition and Finance”. Key outcomes according to several reports had,

Placed emphasis on energy security, transition and financing as interlinked pillars for future growth,
Highlighted the role of gas as a bridge fuel toward sustainable energy systems while making clarion calls for access to innovative financing mechanisms and,
Broadening conversation on Africa’s bid to host the Africa Energy Bank, with the aim of catalyzing continental energy investment.

The theme for 2025, (being the 8th in the series) was, “Bridging Continents: Connecting Investors Worldwide with Africa’s Energy Potential”.

Key outcomes at the conference included,

The reiteration that Nigeria was a gateway for global investment into African energy resources (oil, gas, and renewables),
The security of over $2.5 billion in investment and partnership commitments during the summit,
NIES became a platform not only for policy dialogue but also for actual deal-making and strategic announcements,
Awards (e.g., Energy Deal of the Year 2024) which also highlighted transformative transactions and indigenous leaderships in the entire energy value chain and,
Regulatory and industry leaders (e.g., NUPRC) set forth forward-looking upstream investment, sustainability, and decarbonisation agendas.

There’s really no gainsaying the fact that recent editions of NIES have truly demonstrated dramatic growth, recorded high-level global participation – that included thousands of delegates, ministers, CEOs, and investors from across the world For stakeholders, it has become a hub for major deal-making, partnerships, and strategic announcements in the energy industry. Outcomes and discussions within the short time of NIES have been able to influence:

Policy shifts toward gas utilization and diversification
Local and foreign investment commitments
Broader recognition of Nigeria’s role in shaping energy policy for Africa and,
Thought leaders and industry stakeholders increasingly view NIES as a definitive forum for advancing sustainable energy development across the continent.

In 2026, NIES continues as Nigeria’s flagship energy event. According to Brevity and Anderson, NIES has already confirmed attendance and participation of key African Heads which also reinforces the Summit’s status as Africa’s most authoritative and impactful platform for energy dialogue, policy coordination, and investment mobilization.

Dr. James Shindi, Chief Executive Officer, Brevity Anderson/Project Director, NIES said: “The confirmation of distinguished African Heads of State for NIES 2026 is a powerful affirmation of the Summit’s credibility, relevance, and growing global influence. NIES continues to serve as a trusted platform where leadership, policy, and investment converge to shape Africa’s energy future.”

Now in its 9th edition, the Nigeria International Energy Summit is the only oil and gas industry event officially endorsed by the government of Nigeria, a distinction that underscores its strategic national importance and central role in shaping both Nigeria and Africa’s energy future.

Scheduled to hold in Abuja from 2 to 5 February 2026, the Summit has its theme as, “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future.” The event will advance bold ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver practical, investable solutions to strengthen energy security, drive economic growth, and support sustainable development—across Africa and beyond.

Seplat Energy has announced the appointment of Tony Elumelu as Non-Executive Director