Photo caption: Abidemi Belgore, Senior Production Geologist, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), conducting dignitaries round the Shell exhibition booth at the 2026 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), the premier annual gathering of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
LAGOS, Nigeria — Shell has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting major investments in deepwater oil projects and a US$3 billion contract financing programme aimed at strengthening local contractors and supporting the country’s energy security and economic growth.
Speaking at the 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos, General Manager, Development and Subsurface, Shell Nigeria Deepwater, Kun Jiang, said the energy major remains confident in Nigeria’s long-term investment potential despite global market uncertainties.
“We continue to invest in Nigeria’s future through our projects, our people and our enduring confidence in the potential of this nation,” Jiang said while delivering the sponsor’s address.
Shell expands deepwater investments
Jiang said Shell’s ongoing investments in the Bonga North project, the HI development, and the advancement of the Bonga Southwest project demonstrate the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s offshore energy sector.
She also highlighted the recent launch of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo)’s US$3 billion contract financing programme, describing it as a strategic initiative that will enable Nigerian contractors to access financing, strengthen technical capacity, accelerate project execution and increase local value creation across the oil and gas industry.
The financing programme is expected to support indigenous companies participating in major offshore developments while enhancing local content and improving project delivery.
Nigeria remains attractive for global energy investment
As a major sponsor of NAICE 2026, Shell said it continues to support the Society of Petroleum Engineers and its efforts to advance technical excellence and professional development within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” Jiang said Nigeria is well positioned to benefit from shifting global energy dynamics despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and increasing market volatility.
“With a population exceeding 240 million people, abundant natural resources, world-class talent and growing domestic energy demand, Nigeria has all the ingredients to become one of the world’s most attractive energy investment destinations,” she said.
However, she stressed that unlocking the country’s full potential will require sustained policy reforms, investment-friendly regulations and stronger collaboration between government and industry.
“Potential alone does not create prosperity. Resources must be transformed into value, and opportunity must be matched by action,” Jiang said.
Call for stronger investment climate
Jiang urged Nigeria to continue improving its business environment by attracting long-term capital, embracing new technologies and creating conditions that support sustainable investment and operational efficiency.
“The future will belong to countries and industries that combine resilience with innovation, ambition with collaboration, and investment with execution excellence,” she said. “Nigeria has the resources. Nigeria has the talent. Nigeria has the opportunity. What is required now is the collective determination to seize it.”
Shell showcases technology and energy portfolio
At the conference, Shell is exhibiting technologies and innovations that have improved production efficiency at the Bonga deepwater field and supported the execution of the Bonga North project.
The exhibition, led by SNEPCo Senior Production Geologist Abidemi Belgore, is providing industry stakeholders, regulators and investors with insights into Shell’s operations across Nigeria, including deepwater oil production, integrated gas, renewable energy, power solutions and the company’s social investment programmes.
Shell said the exhibition reflects its strategy of combining technological innovation with local capacity development to support Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape and long-term economic growth.