A renewed wave of strategic dialogue and regional empowerment is on the horizon as preparations intensify for the second edition of the Warri Oil and Gas Summit, 2025.
In a move signaling renewed commitment to the future of the Niger Delta, industry players, policymakers, and community leaders recently gathered in Abuja to lay the groundwork for the landmark event.
Held on April 1, 2025, the high-level consultation served as a platform to address pressing issues surrounding resource control, indigenous inclusion, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, with a particular focus on the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, Convener of the summit, underscored the gathering’s importance in pushing forward practical reforms and ensuring that oil-rich communities in the Niger Delta enjoy real, measurable benefits from natural resource extraction.
According to him, the summit is more than just an event—it is a sustained advocacy platform designed to promote fair policies, equitable distribution, and stronger community engagement.
A Summit for Impactful Dialogue and Change
The Warri Oil and Gas Summit has become a vital arena for addressing the disconnect between oil production and grassroots development.
This year’s edition will spotlight two key themes: enhancing the effectiveness of the Host Community Development Trust and promoting greater indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.
Edo State’s Commissioner for Information, Comrade Paul Ohobamu Esq (Aluta/Equity), described the summit as a rare convergence of intellect, activism, and policy insight—an opportunity to close the gaps in implementation of the PIA and ensure host communities are no longer sidelined.
Private Sector Commitment and Innovation Drive
Lending strong support to the summit is UTM Offshore Ltd, the lead sponsor and pioneer of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
The company, led by visionary CEO Mr. Julius Rone, OFR, has been a trailblazer in indigenous innovation and capacity building within the oil and gas space.
Mr. Rone emphasized that the upcoming summit aligns perfectly with UTM’s mission to elevate local content and ensure the Niger Delta region transitions from being merely an extraction zone to a hub of innovation and shared prosperity.
What to Expect at Warri Oil and Gas Summit 2025
Policy Advocacy: Efforts to refine and enhance the Petroleum Industry Act, especially in regard to host community equity.
Economic Inclusion: Pushing for stronger local ownership and participation in oil and gas projects.
Technological Advancements: Showcasing the groundbreaking FLNG project and promoting investment in indigenous innovation.
Community-Centered Development: Exploring strategies for better funding and infrastructure in oil-producing communities.
As momentum builds, expectations are high that the Warri Oil and Gas Summit 2025 will set a new tone for collaboration, justice, and shared growth in the energy sector. Stakeholders are united by a common vision—to ensure that the region’s wealth becomes a blessing for all, not just a few.
The countdown has begun. An official date for the summit will be announced soon.
