By joshua 
Ayo Ola
The Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigerian Council, has said is determined to assess, analyse and offer strategies that if implemented, could address many of the challenges in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
Chairman, SPE, Nigeria Council, Engineer Felix Obike, gave this heartwarming message during a media briefing in Lagos.
Below is the text of the press briefing:
On behalf of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigerian Council, I humbly welcome you all to this brief interaction with you, the ladies and gentlemen of the press. Before I delve into the details of our upcoming event, I would like to express our profound gratitude to you, our friends in the media. Your diligent reporting and a keen interest in our activities have been instrumental in our efforts to disseminate technical knowledge and improve the general understanding of the oil and gas industry not only in Nigeria but across the African continent. We highly value the cordial and fruitful relationship we have enjoyed with you over the years.
Preamble
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, is the Nigeria arm of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International, a not-for-profit professional organization with over 119,000 members worldwide. SPE is made up of sections globally and in Nigeria, we have Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Benin, and Abuja Sections.
The vision of SPE is to advance the oil and gas-producing and related energy communities’ ability to meet the world’s energy needs in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner. SPE has six (6) focal points as our core values, namely; Technical Excellence and Professionalism, Member Focus, Global Scale & Local Relevance, Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Environmental and Social Stewardship
In Nigeria, SPE has been established and duly registered fifty (50) years ago and thanks to some of the media team that was present at our 50th anniversary celebrated as SPE Lagos at 50.
The Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) held its maiden edition 47 years ago and since then the conference has grown in size and content to be the foremost oil and gas assemblage of energy industry stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through our activities in the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPENC) and the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), we have enhanced the transfer of knowledge and technology within the Nigerian and African energy sectors, driving innovation and development. We have also been key in promoting local content, attracting global investment into Nigeria’s vibrant energy sector. Our capacity-building initiatives, including workshops and panel discussions, have been instrumental in creating a more skilled workforce. By providing a platform for dialogue among leaders, we have influenced policy and fostered innovative solutions that have propelled the industry forward. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has guided conversations toward environmentally-friendly practices, as exemplified by the theme of NAICE 2023.
NIGERIA ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION (NAICE 2023)
Date: Monday,July 31st, 2023 to Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023
<<< Pre-conference training courses: 29 – 30 July 2023>>>
Venue: Main Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Theme: “Global Transition to Renewable and Sustainable Energy and the Future of Oil and Gas in Africa.”
Highlights of NAICE 2023
Our spotlight this year is on the energy trilemma and as such the conversations will be on the overarching theme “Balancing Energy Accessibility, Affordability, and Sustainability: Strategic Options for Africa”
We recognise that in as much as the world needs to have “clean” energy security, a strategic approach is required to cater to the unique needs of different regions. These are the reasons that we have developed our theme and sub-themes and invited subject matter experts to brainstorm and proffer all-inclusive tailored solutions that factor in, the energy poverty and economic struggles in Africa, alongside global best practices on climate actions.
NAICE 2023 sub-themes will address the following:
Topical Issues Workshop: Lease Conversion and Frontier Basin Development: Enablers and Challenges in the Petroleum Industry Act.
Africa Young Professionals Workshop: Meeting Africa’s Energy Needs and Aspirations: Options and Opportunities for Young Professionals.
Panel Session I: Role of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) in the Efficient Development of Natural Gas Reserves to Meet Africa’s Energy Security Demands.
Women Leadership Programme: Africa Energy Market: Leveraging Female Development Opportunities.
Panel Session II: The Transition towards Energy Sustainability: Strategies and Tools for Developing Countries.
Who will be making contributions?
The opening ceremony will feature contributions from The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, GCEO of NNPC, CEO of NUPRC, and CEO of NMDPRA. We shall also have a Special Guest Presentation on the Theme by the 2023 SPE International President. This year, particularly, we shall be having other regional directors of SPE from across the world in attendance. Other very interesting plenary sessions include the Young Professionals Workshop and the family Program for our children and spouses. We have carefully selected a lineup of speakers, each handpicked for their unique expertise and insight into our various sub-themes. The calibre of these individuals promises to elevate the discourses that will take place, ensuring deeply engaging and thought-provoking conversations. The quality of our speakers reflects our commitment to promoting meaningful dialogue and providing attendees with unparalleled insights. We are confident that the richness of the discussions that will unfold will be truly exceptional, and memorable.
Our Sponsors and Exhibitors:
Our sincere appreciation goes to our traditional sponsors who have kept faith in sustaining their professional relationship with SPE by supporting their employees as well as sponsoring SPE events in Nigeria. I also want to thank our new sponsors. The sponsorships and unwavering support are integral to our mission and vision and are very much appreciated.
We’re excited to have over 100 exhibitors this year. Each one brings unique insights, and innovative solutions, and contributes significantly to the richness of the event. Their presence greatly enhances our platform and provides an amazing opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking. We cannot overstate the value they bring.
Please note that all our sponsors will be duly recognized at our Oil Industry Nights and Awards. It’s our small way of saying thank you for your incredible support.”
Conclusion:
We invite you, the gentlemen and ladies of the media, and other important stakeholders of the energy industry to come prepared to make the conference worth the effort put by SPE and its sponsoring partners into organising it. I hope I can also count on your continued support with SPE in full coverage of these events through effective reporting.
Together, we can make NAICE 2023 a landmark event in the energy sector. We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an enlightening and impactful conference.
Thank you for your time and your dedication to telling the stories that matter in the energy sector.
Our History
The American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME) comprises three founding institutes: the Metallurgical Society, the Society of Mining Engineers, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The Petroleum Division of AIME was formed in 1922. In 1957, the organization was officially founded as SPE, a constituent society of the AIME. SPE became a separately incorporated organization in 1985.
Our Board of Directors
The SPE Board of Directors is the policy-making and governing body of SPE. SPE board committees oversee many of SPE’s administrative and operating responsibilities. The board retains final authority on all SPE matters, including any actions the board committees may take.
Our Mission
To connect a global community of engineers, scientists, and related energy professionals to exchange knowledge, innovate, and advance their technical and professional competence regarding the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas and related energy resources to achieve a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future..
Our Vision
SPE advances the oil and gas producing and related energy communities’ ability to meet the world’s energy needs in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner.
SPE In Nigeria
In Nigeria, SPE started in 1973 as the Society of Petroleum Engineers Lagos-Nigeria Section. Over the years this has evolved into a council, five sections in each of the following locations Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Benin, and Abuja, and 34 SPE Student Chapters. The Society of Petroleum Engineers Lagos-Nigeria Section was granted a charter on March 26, 1973, as an SPE Section 61. Port Harcourt and Warri Sections were respectively granted SPE Section charters as Section 103 and Section 104 on December 15, 1987. Benin and Abuja Sections were similarly granted charters of SPE on June 18, 1990, and February 27, 2011, respectively as Section 116 and Section 199.
The SPE Nigeria Council as an umbrella body of all SPE Sections in Nigeria was established in 1987 and approved by the SPE International (SPE-I) Governing Board on October 1, 1988.
The SPE Nigeria Council comprising the Sections is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria with RC #1332 as an Incorporated Trustee under the name Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the SPE Nigeria Council is the umbrella body for all five sections. The Council leadership comprises the Council Chairman and 19 other officers. Each section equally has a leadership board comprising the Section Chairman and officers. The Nigeria Council also has an advisory Board of Trustees comprising all past Chairpersons of the Council and other appointed industry chieftains.