*Here are the summarized 10-point Current Trends and Future Directions in Nigeria & Sub-Saharan Africa’s O&G Sector * 1. Regulatory Reforms & Governance – The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 in Nigeria is improving fiscal terms, while other SSA nations like Ghana and Angola are refining petroleum laws to attract investment. 2. Increased Local Ownership – Indigenous companies (Seplat, Aiteo, etc.) are acquiring divested assets from IOCs, boosting local participation and creating new legal and financing frameworks. 3. Gas as a Transition Fuel – Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative and projects like NLNG Train 7 and the AKK Pipeline are driving gas monetization, with similar LNG developments in Mozambique and Tanzania. 4. Deepwater Investments Over Onshore – Due to security concerns (oil theft, vandalism), IOCs are shifting focus to offshore fields, while local companies take over onshore assets. 5. Energy Transition & ESG Compliance – Oil majors are under pressure to reduce carbon emissions, leading to increased investment in carbon capture, decarbonization, and renewable energy integration in O&G operations. 6. Refining & Petrochemicals Growth – Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and modular refineries aim to reduce fuel imports, while Angola and other SSA countries expand refining capacity. 7. Infrastructure & Security Challenges – Pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and aging infrastructure remain barriers to maximizing production and refining potential in Nigeria and across SSA. 8. Increased Regional Gas Trade – New pipeline projects, such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, aim to strengthen Africa’s gas exports to Europe amid the global energy shift. 9. Digitalization & AI in O&G – Companies are adopting AI-driven exploration, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risks. 10. Legal & Investment Opportunities – More local content regulations, energy sector financing models, and arbitration mechanisms will shape investment in O&G, particularly for indigenous firms and international investors. Please, feel free to make contributions and ask questions. We are a community with an interest in oil and gas.