By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2nd annual West Africa Energy Assembly held on January 17 and 18, 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos was no doubt an engaging event.
During the summit, which focused on upstream opportunities, farm-in/farm-out, new bid rounds, latest developments in E&P and many more, experts in the energy sector converged to brainstorm on how best to move the industry forward.
Some of the speakers at the occasion were Chiagozie Nwokonko, Partner, Streamsowers & Kohn; Jeff Corey, COO of Seven Energy; Abiodun Afolabi, and the Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Total E&P Nigeria limited.
Other included Nyonga Fofang, Managing Director, Bambili Group; Ato Gyasi, Head of Investment, African Finance Corporation; Amaechi Nsofor, Partner, Grant Thornton; Georges Racine, Partner, Hillman Fenwick Willan; Eme Essien Lore, Country Manager, IFC Nigeria; and Olugbenga Adetoro- Vice President , Africa Capital Alliance.
At the function, experts agreed that for Nigeria to grow the oil and gas sector of its economy, government must put in place a sustainable structure.
Also, participants echoed the need for the government to be more consistent in its policies as these have prevented genuine investors from putting their money in the sector.
They pointed out that the government must come up with more progressive and less regressive terms to attract capital, and as well increase the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Experts further urged the government to ensure that peace is restored to the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country as militant activities in the area were enough to scare away investors.
They also called on the government to come up with fiscal incentives that could facilitate exploration in frontier territories.
The West Africa Energy Assembly was organized by the Oil & Gas Council and was anchored by Ms Wofai Samuel.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Dipo Olowookere