Energia COO urges faster reforms, tech-driven policies at SPE OLEF 2026
The Chief Operating Officer of Energia Limited, Oladimeji Bashorun, has called for decisive policy execution, accelerated regulatory processes, and stronger industry collaboration to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Bashorun made this call during the Policy and Regulation Panel session at the 2026 Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF 2026), held in Abuja.
The session, themed “Post-PIA Optimization: Is Policy Enabling or Constraining Intelligent Operations?”, brought together key stakeholders across the energy value chain to assess the effectiveness of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Drawing from practical industry experience, Bashorun acknowledged improvements by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in enhancing engagement and streamlining certain regulatory processes.
However, he stressed that significant gaps remain in aligning policy frameworks with operational realities.
“Regulatory delays can paralyze investments; when approvals stall, production opportunities are directly impacted,” he said, underscoring the urgency for more efficient and predictable approval timelines.
He further emphasized the need for policy frameworks that support technological advancement within the sector.
While noting the growing pace of digital transformation in oil and gas operations, Bashorun pointed out that existing regulations lag behind the rapid evolution of emerging technologies.
“Technology will enhance our operations, but the real question is, what incentives and frameworks exist to support its deployment?” he queried.
Bashorun also highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving industry growth, drawing parallels with the success of international oil companies (IOCs), which have historically leveraged strategic partnerships to scale operations and optimize performance.
“The strength of IOCs has always been collaboration. We must begin to replicate that across the industry if we are to achieve sustainable growth,” he added.
The forum provided a strategic platform for stakeholders to examine post-PIA implementation challenges and explore actionable pathways for optimizing policy impact across Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Energia Limited reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policy development, operational excellence, and innovation.
The company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping industry dialogue and fostering partnerships aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and long-term value creation in the sector.
