Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has won the Government–Private Partner of the Year Award at the 2026 Nigerian Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Annual Energy Conference and Awards, marking its second consecutive year of recognition by the association.
The award, presented on October 9, 2026, recognises the company’s collaboration with government institutions to strengthen marine security, enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Navy and protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets.
The recognition underscores SEEPCO’s contribution to promoting security, stability and operational continuity in the country’s upstream petroleum sector, where effective partnerships between government and private operators remain essential to sustainable industry growth.
The company’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy, particularly through the KALI Series Security Support Vessels designed and built in Delta State, reflects its commitment to strengthening maritime security and developing indigenous capabilities.
The initiative also supports local content development by demonstrating the capacity of Nigerian expertise to contribute to the protection of critical national energy infrastructure.
At the conference, SEEPCO’s goodwill message, delivered by its General Manager, Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Dr Jite Orimiono, commended NAEC for providing a platform for discussions on the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.
With the theme, “Access to Assets: Empowering Players and Driving Growth,” the conference examined the importance of access to energy assets in attracting investment, expanding indigenous participation, creating opportunities across the value chain and promoting sustainable economic growth.
SEEPCO’s message emphasised that the development of Nigeria’s energy sector should extend beyond production to encompass strategic partnerships, local capacity development, asset security and a shared commitment to creating lasting value for communities and the nation.
It also highlighted the role of the media in promoting accountability, facilitating informed discussions and reporting developments that shape the industry.
The latest honour follows the company’s receipt of the Sustainability Company of the Year Award at the 2025 NAEC Awards in recognition of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
SEEPCO said it remained committed to sustainability through environmental protection, community development programmes, improved resource efficiency and responsible business operations.
As part of these efforts, the company launched the SEEPCO SMILE Campaign in 2025 in partnership with NAEC. The initiative seeks to deepen community engagement and deliver social benefits under the campaign’s message of bringing smiles with each barrel to the last mile.
The consecutive recognitions highlight the company’s focus on collaboration, sustainability and community engagement as part of its contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector.
SEEPCO said it would continue to strengthen partnerships with government institutions, industry stakeholders, host communities and the media to support the protection of energy assets and the sustainable development of the sector.