The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has cautioned that the country may struggle to sustain crude oil output in the coming years if new discoveries are not actively pursued.

NAPE President, Johnbosco Uche, gave the warning ahead of the association’s 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition scheduled for November 9–13 in Lagos. He said Nigeria must renew its commitment to exploration if it plans to secure long-term energy stability and remain competitive in a fast-changing global industry.

Uche noted that while the global shift toward cleaner energy is accelerating, Nigeria still relies heavily on oil and gas revenue, making consistent exploration essential. Without new finds, he warned, the country’s production profile could weaken over the next decade.

He outlined priority actions needed to strengthen the sector, including reviving exploration activity in mature basins, adjusting well-classification rules to attract investors, and encouraging both international and local operators to refocus on frontier prospects. He also emphasised the need for better technology deployment to boost output from existing fields.

According to Uche, Nigeria’s targets of producing three million barrels of oil per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas daily by 2030 will only be achievable if investments are scaled up and policy direction becomes clearer. He added that rapid gas development is crucial for powering industries, growing the economy, and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.

The upcoming NAPE conference will bring together government officials, industry leaders, academics, and geoscience professionals for technical sessions, an opening ceremony, a luncheon, and an awards night. Uche described the event as a pivotal moment for stakeholders to shape Nigeria’s energy pathway.

He also appreciated the media for its role in shaping public understanding of the sector, saying their contributions remain vital as the country works toward energy security and economic stability.