In this interview, Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, Francis Nwaochei, speaks on Nigeria’s ongoing upstream sector reforms, the broader African energy ecosystem as well as the upcoming 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026). Emmanuel Addeh brings the excerpts.
Today, everyone is talking about energy transition. How does SPE envision balancing energy security, economic growth and decarbonisation without compromising Africa’s development aspirations?
The foundation for sustainable growth is policy stability. Predictable policies enable businesses to plan, attract financing, increase foreign direct investment and make long-term investments with confidence.
Equally important is accelerating technology adoption across the energy value chain. Technology drives exponential growth, competitiveness and investment. Korea’s rapid emergence in AI demonstrates how innovation creates economic and financial advantage. That is the approach SPE is championing, and one Nigeria must embrace.
At SPE Nigeria Council, we view the energy trilemma as complementary, not competing. Energy security, economic growth and environmental sustainability must advance together.
