Indigenous oil and gas firms are gaining more clout in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Big names like Seplat Energy, First E&P, Heirs Energy, and Pan Ocean & Newcross will demonstrate this shift at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026.
They’re stressing how Nigerian companies boost production, promote gas use, and shore up the nation’s energy safety.
NJ Ayuk, the head of the African Energy Chamber, says these local firms aren’t just buying assets; they’re driving steady growth. Of course, hurdles like limited funds, lack of infra, and fuzzy rules slow them down. Yet, they keep managing projects and growing operations, showing what they’re made of.
Seplat Energy became a big player after buying ExxonMobil’s shallow-water assets. They’re also doing more drilling and upping gas production with projects like ANOH. This helped them start earning from exports and met Nigeria’s need for more gas-powered industry growth.
First E&P, an offshore operator, kept showing local knowledge with their work on the Anyala and Madu fields. Heirs Energy ramped up production at OML 17 using digital tech and smarter operations, getting more out of what they already had.
Pan Ocean & Newcross contributed by investing in small field dev and providing more domestic gas. This aids efforts to generate power and boost industrial growth.
As Nigeria’s energy scene changes, homegrown firms are proving that local control leads to lasting growth and a sustainably developed sector.
