Organisers say the Nigerian Upstream Investment Forum will serve as a targeted, deal-driven platform aimed at connecting local operators with international investors and strategic partners.

The event, scheduled for the final quarter of the year, is expected to convene a select group of participants to facilitate high-value engagements and potential transactions.

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According to event promoter Paul Sinclair, the forum is designed to bridge gaps between asset owners in Nigeria and global sources of capital.

He said participation will be limited to ensure focused discussions and meaningful outcomes, particularly around joint ventures, financing, and asset development.

For Nigerian operators, the platform is positioned as an opportunity to attract foreign investment and accelerate project execution.

Organizers say participants will be able to present active work programs and development plans spanning more than two years, while also promoting assets for farm-in arrangements, funding, and technical partnerships.

International investors, in turn, are expected to gain direct access to vetted operators with producing and near-producing assets, particularly in brownfield environments. The forum will also provide insight into investment-ready opportunities across the upstream value chain, alongside direct engagement with companies actively developing oil and gas projects.

Sinclair added that investors attending the event collectively manage more than $60 billion in capital, underscoring the scale of potential deal flow. He described the NUPRC’s endorsement as a signal of credibility and regulatory support, which could help build confidence among foreign participants.

The investment forum will form part of the broader AOW:Energy 2026 programme, which is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates from across the global energy industry.

Organisers say the event will focus on strengthening business relationships and advancing Africa’s role in the evolving energy landscape, particularly as countries balance hydrocarbon development with energy transition goals.

Conference sessions are expected to cover a wide range of themes, including upstream exploration and production, natural gas development, decarbonisation, technical and subsurface discussions, and investment strategies, alongside dedicated showcases for African energy markets.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to position Nigeria as a competitive destination for upstream investment at a time when global capital is becoming more selective and increasingly tied to both commercial returns and transition considerations.