Nigeria is intensifying efforts to position its indigenous oil and gas companies as major global partners at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026 in Houston, United States, as part of moves to attract fresh investment and reshape global perceptions of the country’s energy sector.
The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) said its delegation to the conference is focused on turning local technical expertise into strong investment partnerships and long-term international collaborations.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, PETAN Publicity Secretary, Dr. Joan Faluyi, said the association would use the Nigerian Pavilion to deliver a strong message that local firms are ready for serious global business partnerships.
According to her, Nigeria’s participation at OTC 2026 goes beyond visibility and is aimed at proving that indigenous companies have the capacity to compete and collaborate globally.
The conference is themed “Africa’s Energy Transformation: Scaling Investment, Technology, and Local Capacity for Sustainable Growth.”
Faluyi said the theme aligns with Africa’s urgent need to increase investment, improve technology adoption, and strengthen local capacity for sustainable development.
She stressed that PETAN is promoting a new narrative that places Nigerian indigenous companies at the centre of the continent’s energy growth.
“For us, local capacity is no longer an addition it is the foundation of Nigeria’s energy future,” she said.
PETAN Executive Secretary, Mr. Eloka Ejeh, said years of deliberate investment in skills development and technology are now producing competitive results for Nigerian firms.
He noted that the capabilities being showcased are backed by proven performance and strategic development, adding that PETAN is seeking partners willing to engage local firms on equal terms.
Ejeh also urged global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to move beyond short-term transactions and establish strategic alliances with Nigerian companies.
He said Nigerian firms offer both capacity and flexibility as Africa works to expand energy access while pursuing sustainability goals.
“Local expertise should be seen as an advantage, not a limitation,” he said.
PETAN Chairman, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, described OTC 2026 as a defining moment for Nigeria’s energy sector.
He said the event provides an opportunity to present Nigerian companies as leaders in Africa’s energy transition rather than passive participants.
According to him, Nigeria’s delegation will host strategic engagements aimed at unlocking investment opportunities and deepening partnerships.
These include the African Energy Forum, the NCDMB–OEM Investment Forum, and a high-level networking golf event designed to connect investors and decision-makers.
Ogunsanya added that PETAN’s strength lies in the wide range of services offered by its members, from engineering and logistics to reservoir management and technical support.
“Our strength is in our diversity and depth of expertise built over decades,” he said.
