Petroleum Engineers Convene Summit to Tackle Nigeria's Ageing Oil Wells and Production Challenges
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Port Harcourt Section 103 has organized a pivotal industry forum to confront Nigeria's pressing oil output difficulties. The Well Intervention Summit (WIS) 2026 is scheduled from March 31 to April 1, 2026, at the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt. This gathering occurs as concerns escalate over diminishing productivity from ageing oil wells, increasing operational expenses, and the critical necessity to extract maximum value from existing assets within a financially restricted environment.
Strategic Importance of Well Intervention Emphasized
In remarks prior to the event, Pringle Egbe, Chairman of the SPE Port Harcourt Section 103, highlighted the strategic significance of well intervention for maintaining Nigeria's oil production levels. "At a time when Nigeria must achieve more with its current assets, well intervention is not merely an option; it is essential for sustaining production, enhancing efficiency, and securing the future of our energy sector. WIS 2026 aims to foster practical solutions and substantial collaboration across the industry," Egbe stated.
Summit Theme and Focus Areas
The summit, themed "Challenges, Collaboration and Conformance: Innovating the Future of Well Intervention for Nigeria’s Production Goals," will concentrate on several key areas:
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Cost optimization strategies
- Regulatory alignment efforts
- Performance-driven outcomes in the upstream segment
Industry observers note the summit's timing is crucial, coinciding with a global shift away from aggressive exploration toward optimizing existing assets. With constrained capital budgets, rising costs, and pressures from the energy transition, operators are focusing on enhanced oil recovery and extending the operational life of mature fields.
Nigeria's Specific Challenges
In Nigeria, these issues are particularly acute. The nation's heavy reliance on ageing wells, many suffering from declining output, integrity problems, deferred maintenance, and high intervention costs, continues to restrict production capacity and revenue generation. The SPE Port Harcourt Section 103 announced that WIS 2026 will showcase advanced well intervention technologies, digital solutions, and integrated asset management strategies designed to unlock stranded production and improve well performance. Additionally, the summit seeks to strengthen cooperation among operators, service providers, and regulators to align industry efforts with national production targets.
Featured Speakers and Expected Contributions
The event will include a distinguished roster of industry leaders, such as:
- Edirihin Eta, Vice President of Well Engineering at Heirs Energies
- Ebenezer Ageh, Chief Technology Officer at Aradel Holdings
- Abdulrahman Mijinyawa, Vice President of Development, Wells and Technology at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited
- Akintunde, Chief Operating Officer of Geoplex Drillteq Limited
- Victor U. Georgeson of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
These experts are anticipated to lead keynote addresses and panel discussions, providing insights into emerging technologies, global best practices, and innovative approaches to well intervention. Their contributions are expected to drive meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies for addressing Nigeria's oil production constraints.
