The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has commended the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) for five decades of remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while urging bold steps to pioneer Africa’s future energy solutions.

Speaking at NAPE’s 50th Anniversary celebration in Lagos, themed “Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa,” NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised the association’s enduring legacy. Ojulari was represented by the company’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy U. Ntia.

Over the past 50 years, NAPE has built a legacy defined by excellence, innovation and impact, which continues to transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Ojulari said. As we look ahead, we must chart pathways that secure energy for our nation and the continent, while embracing sustainability and innovation.

He emphasized that the golden jubilee was not only a moment to celebrate the past but also a rallying point for pioneering new solutions to shape Africa’s energy landscape in the decades ahead.

Industry leaders and stakeholders at the event highlighted NAPE’s milestone achievements, including its role in advancing exploration, deepening local expertise, and driving collaboration within Nigeria’s petroleum sector.