The Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC), a professional body of journalists dedicated to promoting accurate reporting and informed discourse on Nigeria’s energy and extractive industries, has successfully hosted the 2025 edition of its Annual Conference at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

With the theme “Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth,” the event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss pathways toward a sustainable and resilient energy sector for Nigeria.

This year’s awards featured multiple categories and celebrated leading industry players including Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Seplat Energy, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited, Falcon Corporation, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Oando Plc, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), among others.

These organisations were honoured for their outstanding contributions to advancing Nigeria’s energy sector through innovation, sustainability, and responsible operations.

Their continued commitment to excellence and industry leadership is helping to shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the nation.

In recognition of its continued commitment to recent sustainability initiatives, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd, was recognized as one of the awardees at the 2025 NAEC Awards.

Sterling Oil, one of Africa’s fastest-growing exploration and production firms, received the Sustainability Company of the Year award. Known for its impactful environmental sustainability programmes, the company advances ESG excellence in the energy sector by aligning operational performance with environmental responsibility.

Among its initiatives is a clear emphasis on Green Energy Transition, with over 90 per cent of its heavy and light vehicle fleet now running on compressed natural gas (CNG).

In its Eco-Friendly Marine Operations, the major fleet of operational barges have been upgraded to double-hull structures, significantly enhancing protection for rivers and aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, the company has achieved a significant reduction in routine gas flaring by converting more waste gas into usable energy.

Sterling Oil’s broader sustainability initiatives include the deployment of state-of-the-art recycling machines across its sites, each capable of processing 100 kg of waste per hour.

Its afforestation programme targets the planting of 10,000 trees targeted annually, supported by an integrated network of green infrastructure of over1,000 sqm of green nets nurturing above 25,000 seedlings, with additional greenhouses under construction.

These efforts are reinforced by round-the-clock teams and the use of native species, achieving an impressive 60- 80 per cent tree survival rate— a rare feat in large-scale tree planting

Speaking during the event, Dr. Chris Offokansi, General Manager, Human Resources and Industrial Relations at Sterling Oil, expressed appreciation to the organisers.

He stated, “At Sterling Oil, we believe true success is measured by the positive impact we have on the world around us. Our commitment goes beyond compliance—it is about shaping a better, safer future. We align our progress with sustainability at every level and take pride in the steps we’ve taken to reduce our environmental footprint.
Sterling Oil’s story is one of transformation, from a fast-growing oil and gas leader to a symbol of sustainable progress.

With a focus on measurable impact, innovation, and accountability, the company is proving that Africa’s energy future can be clean, inclusive, and resilient. As the company celebrates its recognition at the NAEC 2025 Awards, one thing is clear: Sterling Oil is not just powering Africa; it’s preserving it.

Mr. Ugo Amadi, Chairman of NAEC, noted during his opening remarks that “The introduction of this awards segment marks a new chapter in the history of our annual conference. It is designed to celebrate excellence and recognize organizations driving positive change within Nigeria’s energy landscape. By highlighting these achievements, NAEC aims to inspire greater commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership across the sector.”

The event featured thought-provoking insights from leading experts who explored the evolving Energy landscape in Nigeria and the urgent need for climate-resilient, collaboration and data-driven strategies across industries.

The NAEC Industry Excellence Awards is a new initiative introduced as part of the Association’s Annual Conference to recognise outstanding contributions within Nigeria’s energy sector. The maiden edition celebrates organisations and institutions demonstrating exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership in advancing sustainable growth and responsible industry practices.

A major highlight of this year’s conference was the launch of a sustainability partnership between Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and NAEC, dedicated to promoting sustainability awareness, responsible energy practices, and capacity building within the media and energy industry.

Through this collaboration, both organisations reaffirm their shared commitment to putting lasting smiles on faces and transforming lives across communities where they operate.
This award serves as a reminder that our journey is ongoing. Together with our stakeholders, colleagues, industry and with guidance from State and Federal government, we will continue to drive for innovation and sustainability, ensuring a better and greener future for generations to come.

• Energy News Stream
• Punch
• NCDMB
• Environment Africa
• ThisDay
• New Telegraph
• Major Waves Energy Report
• Environews
• Champion News
• Great Tribune
• Flagship News

Biswas made this known while receiving an Award of Sponsorship Appreciation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, during the 2025 NUJ-NAN Press Week Lecture/Symposium held on Thursday in Lagos.

Commending the NUJ-NAN Chapel for successfully organizing the event themed “Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas,” Biswas emphasized SEEPCO’s dedication to fostering innovation, technology, and sustainability in the energy sector.

“We are honoured to have participated in this important gathering, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing conversations around innovation, technology, and sustainability within Nigeria’s energy sector,” he said.

Highlighting the company’s strides in digital transformation, Biswas noted that SEEPCO has deployed several technology-driven platforms, including:

A real-time digital incident reporting system

A Digital Unsafe Act and Unsafe Condition (UAUC) reporting tool

A Safety Observation Reporting Tracking (SORT) system

A streamlined e-Permit to Work (PTW) system

“These platforms are designed to enhance transparency, improve compliance, and enable timely responsiveness throughout our operations,” he explained.

Biswas further noted that these initiatives are part of SEEPCO’s broader strategy to conduct responsible oil and gas exploration and production, aligned with Nigeria’s economic goals and global industry standards.

“While we take pride in these achievements, we also recognize that our journey is ongoing. Events like this reinforce the importance of collaboration—between industry, media, and society—to drive technological innovation that enhances safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” he added.

He acknowledged the critical role of the media as a strategic partner in shaping accurate and constructive narratives around Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

According to him, continued collaboration with stakeholders such as the NUJ-NAN Chapel will help sustain dialogue and action toward a more innovative and sustainable energy future for the country.

• Energy Focus Report
• Independent Ng

Two years after dramatic headlines accused Geo-Seismic Survey Limited, a contractor working for Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), of devastating communities in Akwa Ibom State and walking away without compensation, an independent investigation provides a more measured account. While concerns remain—particularly around the slow pace of compensation—the sweeping claims of outright abandonment and widespread environmental destruction do not hold up when tested against fieldwork, community testimonies, expert assessments, and regulatory records.

Initial reports suggested that seismic blasting in 2023 left residents of seventeen Local Government Areas (LGAs) with cracked homes, contaminated boreholes, ruined farmlands, and no hope of redress. Voices of widows, farmers, and clergy added weight to a picture of neglect. Yet, as this inquiry reveals, those grievances—though genuine reflections of frustration—tell only part of the story. Much of the tension stems from communication lapses, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and, at times, political amplification, rather than outright corporate abandonment.

Across visits to Etinan, Mkpat Enin, Oruk Anam, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi, interviews with over 40 respondents revealed a mixed but instructive reality. Some residents emphasized that company officials carried out consultations and documented damage, while others—still awaiting payment—interpreted the delays as abandonment. This divergence helps explain why conflicting narratives circulate.

In Etinan, Chief Etim Monday, Village Head of Ayam Efa, acknowledged that crops were damaged but confirmed direct engagement. “They came here and explained their work. I personally witnessed one of the blasting exercises. They took records of those who lost crops. What we await is payment. I would not call it abandonment,” he said.

At Ikot Ekpe in Mkpat Enin, traditional ruler Chief (Dr.) Bassey Udo added that local youths benefited from temporary employment. “Over 120 young men from our clan worked as guides, drivers, and labourers during the survey. Many used the wages to support their families. The issue is not abandonment but delayed compensation.”

Women leaders also offered perspective. Mrs. Ekaette Ekanem, leader of Nkana Women’s Cooperative, explained that while borehole issues were worrying, they predated seismic activity. “The company still meets with us from time to time. They have not disappeared, though we are waiting for compensation.”

Farmers, fishermen, and clergy shared similar stories—acknowledging damage, confirming company visits, but stressing delays. A cassava farmer in Eastern Obolo, a fish farmer in Oruk Anam, and a fisherman in Onna all pointed to ongoing dialogue, not total neglect.

Expert assessments help clarify the situation. Hydrogeologists caution against attributing all borehole discoloration to seismic activity, noting shallow aquifers and seasonal sediment inflows. Environmental scientists emphasize that vibrations from seismic surveys rarely cause major structural damage, especially to well-built houses. Public health consultants add that typhoid and related waterborne illnesses often stem from sanitation challenges rather than blasting.

Regulatory agencies confirm that the operations followed due process, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Officials emphasize that frameworks exist to address verified damages, though compensation often moves slowly due to legal and bureaucratic requirements under the Land Use Act and Petroleum Industry Act.

SEEPCO’s recent statement underscores continued engagement. “Communities have not at any point been abandoned,” spokesperson Mohammed Sule noted in August 2025, emphasizing that compensation is ongoing and guided by regulatory frameworks. Community Liaison Officers echo this, pointing to weekly meetings with local leaders and continuous claim processing.

Beyond compensation, SEEPCO has deepened its host community relations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Sensitization campaigns have been conducted across OML-13 host communities to educate residents on their rights and opportunities under the Act. In line with PIA provisions, the company has supported the appointment of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) members to ensure communities play a direct role in managing development initiatives.

In 2025, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) granted approval for the establishment of the OML-13 HCDT. This milestone was followed by the formal constitution and inauguration of the Trust, marking a significant step toward structured, community-led development. For many residents, the HCDT represents a practical mechanism for addressing grievances and investing in sustainable projects, farmland restoration, borehole rehabilitation, and skill-building programs—that go beyond temporary compensation.

Why then did abandonment narratives spread so strongly? Analysts suggest that political actors and community elites, seeking leverage, amplified frustrations. While grievances are valid, the narratives gained momentum partly through politicization and incomplete media reporting.

Available data paints a different picture: over 3,200 hectares of farmland enumerated for compensation, more than 1,500 households with verified claims, and over 600 youths engaged in temporary jobs. These figures suggest ongoing—if slow—engagement rather than total neglect.

As Rev. Godwin Okon Akpan, one early critic, later admitted: “We are still waiting, but I cannot say they ran away. The problem is delay.”

Experts agree that the path forward requires transparency, faster compensation, and consistent dialogue. As environmental policy scholar Dr. Emmanuel Ibanga noted: “The issue is not abandonment but the need for clearer communication and quicker processes. Trust can only be rebuilt when stakeholders work together with openness.”

In conclusion, grievances remain, but evidence does not support the sweeping claim of abandonment. Instead, what emerges is a story of contested perceptions, process delays, and amplified frustrations. The challenge now is not blame but solutions—grounded in fact, fairness, and collaboration.

In fact, SEEPCO is among the few oil producing companies out of more than 70 successful bidders that signed PSCs during Nigeria’s 2005 licensing round to achieve first oil within a record time of just two years. Its journey, though marked by challenges across difficult terrains, reflects resilience, perseverance, and commitment. Unlike some international oil companies that wound up operations midway, SEEPCO today stands proudly as one of the fastest-growing oil exploration and production companies in Africa—a position built not by abandonment but by engagement and resilience with its host communities with pride.

• Crest
• The Pioneer