As NOG Energy Week marked its 25th anniversary in Abuja, Portfolio Director, Africa and Country Director – Nigeria, Wemimo Oyelana, reflected on the remarkable journey of one of Africa’s most influential energy platforms, describing its success as a product of enduring partnerships, resilience, and a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy industry.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the landmark event, Oyelana paid tribute to the government institutions, industry leaders, sponsors, exhibitors, delegates, speakers, members of the media, and thousands of participants whose continued support has sustained the platform for a quarter of a century.
She noted that the achievements recorded over the years would not have been possible without organisations and individuals who believed in the long-term vision of creating a platform capable of driving meaningful conversations, attracting investment, and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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“There are many people in this audience who have stood with us for so long,” she said. “It wouldn’t be fitting for us not to acknowledge the partners, supporters and stakeholders who believed in the vision we had for Nigeria because without energy, we cannot make progress.”
Oyelana expressed special appreciation to NNPC Limited and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources for their consistent partnership, describing their support as instrumental to the continued success of NOG Energy Week.
Reflecting on her own journey, she revealed that she has spent nearly sixteen years leading the event in Nigeria, describing the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding.
According to her, working in Nigeria has reinforced one defining lesson: resilience remains the country’s greatest strength.
“The road has not always been smooth, but one thing I have learned by working in Nigeria is that resilience is the name of the game,” she said.
Looking back over the industry’s evolution, Oyelana observed that Nigeria’s energy sector has undergone significant transformation through landmark reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, and recent Presidential Executive Orders designed to improve the investment climate.
She explained that these policy reforms have strengthened investor confidence while creating new opportunities for growth across the energy value chain.
For Oyelana, however, legislation alone is not enough. Sustained progress, she argued, depends on continuous dialogue, collaboration, and a collective determination to solve industry challenges.
She encouraged stakeholders not to lose momentum, emphasising that every meaningful advancement in the sector has been built on cooperation between government, private investors, regulators, and industry professionals.
“We shouldn’t get tired of having conversations, collaborating and working together because that is how progress happens,” she said.
One of the defining moments of this year’s conference, she noted, was the series of investment agreements and strategic partnerships announced during the event, describing them as strong evidence that international investors continue to see Nigeria as an attractive destination for energy investments.
“The world is looking at Nigeria,” Oyelana said. “The world is looking for where they can invest, and they are choosing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as a destination for investment.”
She also highlighted Africa’s growing strategic importance in global energy markets, noting that the continent has become an increasingly critical partner in efforts to strengthen global energy security through responsible resource development, investment, and international collaboration.
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While celebrating the milestone of reaching 25 years, Oyelana made it clear that the work is far from complete.
She reaffirmed DMG Nigeria Events’ commitment to working closely with government, operators, investors, service companies, and development partners to continue creating platforms that foster dialogue, encourage innovation, and unlock new investment opportunities for the industry.
As the curtains fell on another successful edition of NOG Energy Week, Oyelana’s closing remarks captured the spirit that has sustained the event for over two decades: resilience, partnership, and an unwavering belief that collaboration remains the foundation for building a stronger, more competitive energy industry.
Looking ahead, she expressed optimism that the momentum generated during this year’s conference would continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s energy sector as preparations begin for NOG Energy Week 2027.
