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By Adewale Sanyaolu
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2060, leading entrepreneur and energy executive, Mr. Kola Adesina, will headline discussions at the 2026 Oriental News National Conference. where stakeholders will examine the future of decarbonisation in the country’s extractive industry.
The conference is scheduled for 23 July 23, 2026, is expected to convene stakeholders to examine the future of decarbonisation in the country’s extractive industry.
This year’s theme, is “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonization Initiatives in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms”.
A statement by the organisers said the theme, reflects ongoing national efforts to strengthen climate governance, including legislative work on the proposed National Decarbonisation Bill.
The bill is expected to complement the Climate Change Act 2021 by providing a clearer legal framework for Nigeria’s climate commitments.
Recall that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has rolled out a Decarbonisation Blueprint and Handbook aimed at guiding emissions reduction within the upstream oil and gas sector.
According to the organisers, these policy developments informed both the choice of the theme and the selection of Adesina, former Chairman of Egbin Power Plc and Board Chairman of Ikeja Electric to lead the conversation among industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers.
The summit will also feature senior government officials and key stakeholders who are expected to deliberate on Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which prioritises expanded renewable energy adoption, reduction of gas flaring, and the gradual shift toward cleaner industrial processes.
A sub-theme for the conference, “Addressing Finance Challenges, Investment Strategies, Operational Sustainability and Climate Change Management,” will explore the financial and operational barriers affecting decarbonisation efforts across the energy value chain.
At he event, Adesina is expected to share insights on ongoing reforms and sustainability initiatives within Sahara Group, where he plays a key leadership role. The company is advancing a three-pronged net-zero strategy targeting emissions reduction by 2060 through cleaner energy adoption, operational efficiency, and nature-based climate solutions.
Sahara Group is also investing in gas as a transition fuel while expanding renewable energy projects and reforestation initiatives across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The conference will further examine global oil and gas industry trends, particularly the increasing pressure on operators to reduce emissions in line with international climate commitments.
Convener of the conference, Mrs Yemisi Izuora, said the annual gathering continues to provide a platform for dialogue among stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy, finance, and industrial sectors.
“Every year, Oriental News Nigeria provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage on regulatory issues and investment opportunities aimed at strengthening both public and private sector contributions to economic growth,” she said.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2026 conference is expected to deepen conversations around sustainability in Nigeria’s extractive industry, particularly in oil and gas, petrochemicals, and manufacturing.
The event will bring together operators, regulators, financiers, and service providers to exchange ideas on decarbonisation strategies and emerging technologies.
Key discussions will focus on aligning environmental commitments with business performance in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Sessions will highlight practical applications of carbon capture technologies, digital energy solutions, low-carbon hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other innovations driving emissions reduction across the sector.
A key feature of the summit will be case study presentations from industry players who have made measurable progress in their decarbonisation journeys.
The conference is expected to foster collaboration across the energy value chain, offering stakeholders opportunities to share perspectives, explore investment opportunities, and identify scalable solutions to sustainability challenges.
It will also address regulatory frameworks, financing gaps, and operational constraints that continue to slow progress toward Nigeria’s emissions reduction targets.
Globally, emissions regulations are increasingly aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. Nigeria’s own policy direction aligns with international agreements such as the Paris Accord, which seeks to limit global temperature increases.
The organisers noted that Nigeria has introduced several initiatives to mitigate climate risks, including efforts to reduce flooding, heatwaves, and droughts through improved environmental governance and cleaner energy policies.
The 2026 summit will open with keynote presentations and panel discussions featuring stakeholders from across the petroleum, manufacturing, financial, and regulatory sectors. Sessions will also incorporate thematic dialogues and hybrid participation formats to broaden access and engagement.
The conference will involve collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening policy implementation and accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
