CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil and gas companies will play a leading role at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from 12 to 16 October. Executives from Oando, Seplat Energy, Aradel Holdings, Heirs Energies and Shoreline Energy International have confirmed their participation. Their presence highlights the growing influence of local operators in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Nigeria’s indigenous companies have transformed the country’s upstream industry in recent years. They have acquired more than $6 billion worth of assets sold by international oil majors. Today, local operators produce about 60% of Nigeria’s crude oil.
Oando Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu will join the conference alongside Dr Alex Irune, Executive Director of Oando PLC and Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources.
The company expanded its footprint after acquiring Eni’s former Nigerian Agip Oil Company onshore assets. The deal was worth about $800 million. It gave Oando additional acreage across the Niger Delta and strengthened its position among Nigeria’s largest indigenous producers.
Seplat Energy will send incoming Chief Executive Officer Engr. Effiong Okon to the conference. He takes over leadership of the company on 1 August.
The company aims to produce 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030. It also plans to increase domestic gas production to more than one billion standard cubic feet per day.
Okon previously led the delivery of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant. The facility achieved first gas production in January 2026. Okechukwu Mba, Seplat’s Director of Gas and New Energy, will also attend. He will contribute to discussions on gas commercialisation and energy transition opportunities.
Aradel Holdings Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adegbite Falade will represent the company at the conference. Aradel reported revenue of approximately N697.3 billion in 2025. The company also recorded a 55% increase in profit compared with the previous year.
Higher crude oil and gas production drove the company’s growth. Aradel increased crude output to 14,100 barrels per day. It also achieved its highest gas production level of about 83.8 million standard cubic feet per day.
The company holds a stake in Renaissance Africa Energy. The consortium completed a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s onshore operations in Nigeria. Heirs Energies Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Osayande Igiehon will also participate in the event.
The company recently secured a $750 million dual-tranche reserve-based lending facility. The African Export-Import Bank arranged the financing.
Heirs Energies operates OML 17 in the Niger Delta. The asset supplies gas that generates more than 350 megawatts of electricity. Its parent company, Heirs Holdings, owns a 20.07% stake in Seplat Energy following a $500 million investment.
Shoreline Energy International Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kola Karim will join other industry leaders at the conference.
The company invests in power, infrastructure, engineering and energy projects. It also operates OML 30 in the Niger Delta. The project includes eight producing flow stations and five gas lift compression stations.
Together, these companies have reshaped ownership in Nigeria’s upstream energy sector. They continue to drive investment, increase production and expand infrastructure.
African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk said indigenous operators now play a central role in Nigeria’s energy industry.
“Nigeria’s indigenous operators have acquired billions of dollars in assets. They are running them, financing them and expanding them,” Ayuk said.
“Their presence at AEW demonstrates that this is not a transition in name only. It is a fundamental shift in how Africa’s largest oil producer operates.”
African Energy Week 2026 will bring together heads of state, investors, policymakers and international energy companies. Delegates will meet at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Discussions will focus on investment, energy security, gas development and strategies to accelerate Africa’s energy growth.
