Nigeria is working to broaden the destinations for its crude oil exports as shifts in the global energy market push producers to rethink long-standing trading patterns.

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) says the country can no longer depend mainly on its traditional buyers and must actively seek new markets to sustain revenue growth.

Speaking at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Wole Ogunsanya, said recent developments within OPEC show that member countries are increasingly exploring independent strategies, making diversification of buyers more important for Nigeria.

He explained that Nigeria produces high-quality crude oil that can compete globally, adding that the country should take advantage of this to strengthen its presence in Africa, Europe, and other regions.

Ogunsanya also stressed that Nigeria’s growing domestic refining capacity makes it necessary to balance local supply needs with external sales, ensuring that excess production finds reliable international markets.

According to him, events such as the Houston conference provide opportunities to attract investors, build partnerships, and promote Nigeria’s oil and gas potential to global stakeholders.

He further noted that regional cooperation efforts under African local content initiatives could help improve cross-border investment and expand market access within the continent.

However, he warned that failure to secure new buyers could expose Nigeria to global price fluctuations and reduce overall earnings in the oil sector.

Despite participation challenges at the conference, he said Nigeria’s presence demonstrates its determination to remain competitive in the changing global energy landscape.