The Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA) 8.0, a premier celebration of excellence, innovation, and transformative contributions to the development of Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region, continues to generate buzz across the nine states: Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. The grand finale is set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at The Arena Event Centre, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The red carpet will roll out at 4:00 pm, followed by the main event commencing at 5:00 pm.
Powered by Juvenis Magazine/TV, this edition features over 840 nominees across 56 categories, spotlighting leaders in governance, business, media, entertainment, and the critical energy sector. The Oil & Gas Company of the Year category stands out as one of the most competitive, honoring indigenous and forward-thinking companies that excel in exploration, production, refining, services, sustainable practices, community engagement, and economic contributions amid the region's environmental and infrastructural challenges.
These 15 nominees represent the vanguard of Nigeria's energy sector, driving energy security, job creation, local content development, and regional prosperity. From upstream operators to service providers and downstream innovators, they embody resilience and vision in harnessing the Niger Delta's vast hydrocarbon resources.
Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng), proud official media partner, delivers in-depth coverage, nominee profiles, and real-time updates to amplify these stories of excellence. Public voting remains open—visit the official NDAA website at ndaawards.juvenismag.com to support your favorite and influence this prestigious award.
Here are detailed profiles of the 15 exceptional nominees contending for Oil & Gas Company of the Year:
1. Belema Oil Producing Ltd. (Rivers)
Belemaoil Producing Limited, a truly indigenous Niger Delta energy powerhouse headquartered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was founded in 2012 (incorporated in 2013) as an independent exploration and production (E&P) company. Operating in the Niger Delta, it serves as the operator of the NNPCL/Belemaoil JV, with assets including the prolific OML 55 in Kula City. The company boasts a core team of seasoned E&P professionals experienced in subsurface evaluation, project delivery, production operations, crude handling, and commercial finance. With over 1.2 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, Belemaoil focuses on optimizing hydrocarbon value, rapid recovery, and transformational growth. Under visionary leadership, including recent transitions to enhance profitability and shareholder value, it prioritizes community benefits and world-class standards in the Niger Delta.
2. Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd. (Imo)
Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd., established in 1996 as a joint venture and fully Nigerian-owned since 2001, is a leading integrated energy company based in Imo State. It operates the Ibigwe Field (OML 16), awarded in Nigeria's first Marginal Field Licensing Round in 2003. The company has pioneered modular refining with the Waltersmith Modular Refinery in Ohaji-Egbema, Imo State—the largest commissioned modular refinery in Nigeria—focusing on upstream production, refining, and renewables. Committed to strong governance, sustainability, and societal impact, Waltersmith responsibly develops hydrocarbon resources while expanding into downstream operations, making it a key driver of energy transformation and local economic empowerment in the region.
3. Nero City Oil & Gas Nig. Ltd (Delta)
Nero City Oil & Gas Nig. Ltd., incorporated in Delta State with operations centered in Osubi (KM 2 Osubi/Eku Road), is an indigenous oil and gas services provider emphasizing excellence in the sector. The company delivers comprehensive services in exploration, production, and related activities, building a reputation for reliability and innovation. Led by Chairman and CEO Honorable Dorume Oghenero, Nero City has expanded its footprint beyond Delta State, positioning itself as a top performer in Nigeria's competitive oil and gas landscape through operational efficiency and client-focused solutions.
4. Northwest Petroleum & Gas Co. Ltd. (Cross River)
Founded in 1998, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. is an indigenous leader in petroleum products marketing, with a major operational base in the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Cross River State. The company excels in importation, export (including NNPC-approved crude oil allocation), trading, storage (over 100 million litres capacity), and nationwide distribution via ultra-modern terminals, a 250m jetty for large vessels, and expanding mega filling stations. Known for efficiency, safety, and international standards, Northwest contributes significantly to energy supply chain reliability and economic growth in the Niger Delta.
5. Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nig. Ltd. (Edo)
Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Ltd., established in 1973, is a pioneering indigenous E&P company and the first to form a joint venture with NNPC. With assets across the value chain, including production from the Ogharefe field in OML 98 (northern Niger Delta fringe) since 1976, it blends local expertise with global best practices. Headquartered with key operations in Benin City, Edo State, Pan Ocean has over five decades of experience in exploration, production, and innovation, shaping Nigeria's energy sector through sustainable development and excellence.
6. SOWSCO Well Services Nig. Ltd. (Rivers)
Founded in 1992 and 100% indigenous, SOWSCO Well Services (Nig.) Ltd. is a leading oilfield services provider based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. With expertise in cementing (recognized as #1 in Nigeria), wellbore cleaning, brine filtration, wellhead maintenance, pipeline pigging, OCTG inspection, sand control, and stimulation (including coiled tubing and nitrogen pumping), the company employs over 50 engineers/technicians. ISO-certified and strategically positioned with offices in Warri and Lagos, SOWSCO supports the industry across Nigeria and West Africa with proven capacity and decades of experience.
7. TASCON Oil & Gas Ltd. (Ondo)
TASCON Oil & Gas Ltd. is an emerging indigenous player in Ondo State's oil and gas sector, contributing to exploration, production, and related services. Focused on regional development, the company aligns with the Niger Delta's push for local participation and sustainable energy projects, earning nomination through consistent performance and community-oriented operations.
8. Azikel Petroleum (Bayelsa)
Azikel Petroleum, part of the Azikel Group founded by Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR, is a dynamic indigenous conglomerate in Bayelsa State. It develops Nigeria's first private hydro-skimming modular refinery (12,000 bpd) in Yenagoa, producing LPG, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and more to boost local refining and reduce product scarcity. With roots in dredging and expansion into power and aviation, Azikel emphasizes industrialization, employment, and infrastructural revolution in the Niger Delta.
9. Mainland Oil & Gas Ltd. (Abia)
Mainland Oil & Gas Ltd. is an indigenous firm advancing oil and gas activities in Abia State, with strengths in upstream and midstream operations. It supports regional energy goals through reliable service delivery and economic contributions.
10. Oriental Energy Resources Ltd. (Akwa Ibom)
Oriental Energy Resources Ltd. is a prominent indigenous E&P company in Akwa Ibom, known for successful marginal field developments and production excellence, driving value addition and local content in the region.
11. RAMEC Integrated Services Ltd. (Rivers)
RAMEC Integrated Services Ltd., based in Rivers State, provides integrated oil and gas solutions, including engineering and technical services, enhancing operational efficiency across the sector.
12. Lee Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (Delta)
Lee Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. specializes in engineering, procurement, and construction for oil and gas projects in Delta State, delivering high-quality infrastructure and support services.
13. Bluestone Gas & Power Ltd. (Cross River)
Bluestone Gas & Power Ltd. focuses on gas utilization and power generation in Cross River, contributing to energy diversification and sustainable development.
14. Masters Energy Oil & Gas Ltd (Rivers)
Masters Energy Oil & Gas Ltd. is a key player in Rivers State's energy sector, offering comprehensive services from trading to operations, with a commitment to excellence and growth.
15. Frontier Oil Ltd. (Akwa Ibom)
Frontier Oil Ltd. excels in exploration and production in Akwa Ibom, known for innovative approaches and significant contributions to hydrocarbon development.
These nominees highlight the dynamism and potential of the Niger Delta's oil and gas industry, fostering inclusion, sustainability, and prosperity. The winner of Oil & Gas Company of the Year will be announced at the glamorous February 8, 2026, ceremony.
Alexa News Network Limited (Alexa.ng) will continue providing exclusive updates, interviews, and voting insights as the event nears. Cast your vote today—the future of regional excellence is in your hands! (
