2026 TECHNICAL OIL & GAS (E&P) EXECUTIVE MASTERCLASS ON AI-DRIVEN FINANCIAL MODELLING AND FORECASTING, PREDICTIVE BUDGETING AND PLANNING DECISION-MAKING

Scheduled Dates

Introduction

This workshop develops practical skills in forecasting, budgeting, cost assurance, investment evaluation and performance management for Nigeria's upstream oil and gas sector.

Oil price changes, operating costs, investment requirements and production uncertainty affect upstream budgets and financial plans. The workshop examines how forecasting and scenario analysis can help organisations assess these pressures and make more informed decisions.

AI and predictive analytics can support financial forecasts, expenditure monitoring, investment appraisal and performance assessment. Participants will examine their use alongside established financial methods, including the need to assess assumptions and interpret model outputs.

The programme integrates modern forecasting methodologies, intelligent budgeting approaches, AI-powered analytics, cost assurance techniques, investment evaluation tools and performance management systems to support improved financial governance and operational excellence across upstream E&P activities.

Objectives

• Link operational plans with financial strategy and performance targets across exploration, development and production
• Interpret financial statements and key performance indicators for upstream operations
• Build and review a financial model, including its structure, inputs and assumptions
• Forecast revenue, expenditure and financial performance using production profiles, price assumptions and AI-enabled tools
• Compare traditional, rolling, activity-based and zero-based budgeting approaches
• Identify cost drivers across drilling, production, maintenance and support activities
• Evaluate investments using discounted cash flow, NPV, IRR and payback analysis, and prioritise capital expenditure
• Assess oil price, production, cost, foreign exchange and financing risks
• Plan cash flow and working capital, and connect forecasts and budgets with liquidity needs
• Validate AI-generated financial outputs with appropriate human oversight

Training Methodology

This workshop is practical and application-focused. Expert-led sessions introduce each topic and are followed by exercises that use realistic upstream scenarios, covering financial modelling, forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis and investment appraisal.

Participants work individually and in groups, and use group discussion to compare approaches, test assumptions and share experience from their own organisations.

AI and predictive analytics are taught alongside established financial methods, so participants learn when to rely on model outputs and how to validate them.

Organisational Impact

• Stronger alignment between operational plans, budgets and financial strategy
• More reliable forecasts and budgets that reflect price, cost and production uncertainty
• Better understanding of cost drivers and more effective cost control
• Better capital allocation and prioritisation of investment projects
• Improved management of oil price, foreign exchange and financing risks
• Better liquidity and cash flow planning
• Clearer management reporting and performance monitoring
• Stronger financial governance, with AI outputs reviewed and validated

Personal Impact

• Build practical skills in financial modelling, forecasting and budgeting
• Gain confidence in investment appraisal and risk assessment
• Learn to use AI-assisted tools while questioning assumptions and results
• Improve your ability to prepare clear financial performance reports and dashboards
• Strengthen your professional profile in upstream finance and planning
• Apply what you learn in your role straight away

Who Should Attend?

• Finance and budgeting professionals
• Cost control and cost assurance personnel
• Commercial operations personnel
• Investment and strategic planning teams
• Performance management personnel
• Project evaluation personnel
• Joint Venture (JV) operations and finance personnel
• Treasury and financial planning personnel

Certificates

Participants who attend and complete the workshop will receive a Certificate of Completion from Macbek Consults Limited, recognising their participation and the skills covered during the programme.

The certificate is issued after the final session and can be used as evidence of continuing professional development in upstream finance, budgeting, cost assurance and performance management.

Frequently Asked Questions