NOG 2023: NNPC Joins Industry Discourse on Energy Sustainability

As the NNPC Ltd made its presence felt at the prestigious Nigeria Oil & Gas (NOG) Energy Week 2023, the industry was abuzz with discussions on Nigeria's sustainable energy future. Under the leadership of its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Mele Kyari, the company showcased its commitment to enhancing international partnerships, driving investments, and propelling the country's energy sector forward. Here, we present the key highlights and insights from the various keynote addresses and panel discussions delivered by NNPC Ltd’s senior management at the NOG 2023 Energy Week.

Laying a solid foundation for the insightful discourse was the Group CEO, Mr. Mele Kyari whose keynote address dwelt on the theme “Redefining Nigeria’s Energy Landscape for a Sustainable Energy Future.” Kyari emphasized NNPC Ltd's focus on making energy available and affordable to Nigerians. He highlighted the expansion of gas infrastructure projects such as the Nigeria LNG Train 7 and potential Train 8 projects.; the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and the the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) project. These initiatives aim to ensure gas availability for the power sector and promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for automobiles. Mr. Kyari reaffirmed NNPC's commitment to delivering necessary infrastructure that generates value for all stakeholders, while addressing issues such as decarbonization and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) access to combat biomass dependency.

NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, was next. In his address at a panel themed “Defining the Roadmap for the Future of Nigeria’s Upstream Sector,” Tombomieye highlighted the company's efforts in propelling the upstream industry for value realization and energy transition. He stressed the importance of securing critical oil and gas infrastructure, collaboration with investors, and the adoption of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage. Tombomieye also underscored the opportunities for potential development, including the Bonga North Tranche and Bonga South-West/Aparo projects, as well as the Agbami Gas Project. He emphasized the need for partnerships, innovation and technology in driving the projects forward.

Next in tow was Mr. Bala Wunti, NNPC Ltd's Chief Upstream Investment Officer, who spoke during a panel discussion on “The Investors Perspective: Assessing the Attractiveness of Nigeria’s Energy Sector.”, In his speech, Wunti highlighted the attractiveness of Nigeria's oil and gas industry for potential investors. He explained that upcoming investments in upstream projects are estimated to reach $18 billion, thanks to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Notable projects include Ubetta, Prowei, Bonga-North, Agbami Gas and Owowo fields. Mr. Wunti emphasized the importance of addressing outstanding issues related to the PIA and optimizing costs through capacity development and collaboration to attract increased finance.

For Mr. Muniru Mai, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), there is the need for significant funding and partnerships in the area of capacity development for emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry. In his speech on a panel discussion on “Capacity Development for Emerging Opportunities,”., Mai highlighted the importance of digital talent and identified areas such as transportation and power generation as key emerging opportunities. Mr. Mai called for research, funding, and partnerships to bridge the skills gap, particularly in areas such as solar technology and energy storage to support Nigeria's energy security and transformation.

NNPC Ltd also featured in Technical Seminar sessions at the NOG 2023 Energy Week. Speaking during the technical seminar on “Effective Strategies in Managing Digital Talent Pipeline in Advancing Technical Skills for Energy Security & Transformation,” Mrs. Adepeju Adekunle, Senior Advisor at the company’s Corporate Strategy and Sustainability (CS&S) Division, emphasized the importance of advanced technical skills for achieving energy security and transformation. She discussed the need for digital talent in areas such as data science, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies. Adekunle highlighted the challenges associated with the lack of digital skills, aging workforce, brain drain, and the underrepresentation of women in the sector. She called for collaboration amongst the industry, academia, and the government to develop talent pipelines and foster innovations.

The presence of NNPC Ltd's exhibition booth at the NOG 2023 Energy Week 2023 was a source of immense excitement and fascination for delegates and visitors. The booth provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore and discover new aspects of NNPC and its subsidiaries like the NNPC Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Division, NNPC Academy, and the NNPC HMO.

Delegates and visitors were thrilled to learn about the ground-breaking work carried out by RTI. The booth showcased the latest advancements in research, technology, and innovation, leaving attendees impressed by the transformative potential of these developments. The interactive displays and engaging presentations provided valuable insights into the cutting-edge processes and technologies being employed by RTI, generating a sense of awe and enthusiasm among the visitors.

The presence of NNPC Academy at the booth was equally captivating. Delegates and visitors were eager to delve into the academy's comprehensive training programs and educational initiatives. The booth offered an immersive experience, allowing attendees to understand the academy's crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering skills development within the energy sector. This newfound knowledge left visitors inspired and motivated to explore potential collaborations and opportunities with NNPC Academy.

Furthermore, the presence of NNPC HMO at the booth also created a positive buzz among the attendees. Visitors were enthralled to learn about the HMO's commitment to providing top-notch healthcare services to NNPC employees and their families. The booth showcased the HMO's focus on promoting wellness and ensuring the well-being of its beneficiaries. Visitors left the booth with a greater understanding of NNPC's dedication to employee welfare and healthcare, fostering a sense of trust and appreciation.

It is safe to say that NNPC Ltd’s exhibition stand at NOG 2023 Energy Week was a hub of excitement and discovery. The booth served as a platform for attendees to expand their knowledge, explore potential collaborations, and appreciate the remarkable contributions of NNPC Ltd and its subsidiaries to the energy sector.

One of the major highpoints of the event was NNPC Ltd winning the “NOG Equality in Energy Award” at the Gala and Awards Night. This prestigious accolade symbolizes the organization's unwavering commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusiveness within the energy industry. It validates NNPC's progressive efforts to create a workplace that celebrates and respects individuals from all backgrounds. This recognition serves as a testament to the company's dedication to building a more equitable and harmonious energy sector.

NNPC Ltd's presence at the NOG 2023 Energy Week demonstrated its commitment to driving Nigeria's energy future through international partnerships, investments, and capacity development. The company's focus on gas infrastructure, upstream industry development, funding, and partnerships highlighted its role in achieving energy accessibility, affordability, and security. The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the emphasis on advanced technical skills reinforced NNPC Ltd's dedication to transforming Nigeria's energy landscape. Therefore, as Nigeria positions itself as a leading player in the global energy transition, NNPC Ltd remains committed to securing its right to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's sustainable energy future.