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Last week, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board hosted a two-day conference for women working across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The event took place at Eko Hotels & Suites. It brought together industry professionals, regulators, entrepreneurs, and advocates to discuss participation in the evolving energy sector.
The conference carried the theme “Building Bridges, Empowering Women for a Sustainable Energy Future.” Organisers positioned the gathering as a platform to strengthen collaboration, support women entrepreneurs. It was also to address structural gaps that affect participation across the oil and gas value chain.
Furthermore, discussions reflected a broader shift in the industry. Nigeria’s energy sector continues to expand its focus beyond production targets to include workforce development, skills transfer, and inclusive participation. Consequently, platforms that encourage collaboration among professionals have gained renewed attention.
Financing and Capacity Building Take Centre Stage
During the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Ogbe, announced that the board has expanded its intervention fund designed to support women operating within the oil and gas sector.
According to him, the initiative aims to bridge the financing gap that often limits the growth of women-led businesses. He explained that the Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund was created in partnership with the Bank of Industry to provide affordable financing and business support.
Ogbe noted that beneficiaries of the programme include women entrepreneurs working in logistics services, marine operations, safety equipment supply, and environmental management. As a result, many businesses have expanded their operations and strengthened their participation in the energy value chain.
In addition, the board highlighted training programmes designed to improve technical capacity among women in the sector. Partnerships with training institutions have supported programmes in welding, fabrication, and other technical fields linked to oil and gas operations.
Officials said these efforts align with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. This Act promotes local participation and capacity development within the industry.
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Mentorship and Leadership Conversations
Beyond financing and training discussions, the conference also focused on mentorship and leadership development.
Participants noted that conferences often provide visibility for women professionals. However, several speakers emphasised that long term change requires consistent mentorship and institutional support beyond conference platforms.
For example, a formal mentorship programme was introduced during the event. It was to connect experienced industry professionals with young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Supporters of the initiative believe mentorship programmes can strengthen leadership pipelines. They can also help emerging professionals navigate a sector that remains historically male-dominated.
Furthermore, speakers highlighted the importance of building networks across generations and disciplines. According to industry participants, stronger professional networks can create pathways for collaboration, investment opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Building the Talent Pipeline for Energy
Discussions at the conference also highlighted the role of human capital in the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.
Across global markets, the transition toward more resilient energy systems requires not only technology and capital. It also requires a diverse workforce with the skills to manage complex projects. Therefore, industry leaders increasingly emphasize talent development alongside infrastructure growth.
Participants observed that initiatives which support entrepreneurship, training, and mentorship can expand the pool of professionals capable of driving innovation in the sector. Moreover, empowering underrepresented groups within technical industries may encourage broader participation in emerging opportunities across engineering, energy services, and environmental management.
These conversations reflect a growing awareness that the long term strength of Nigeria’s energy sector depends on how effectively it develops and supports the next generation of professionals.
A Continuing Conversation
Although stakeholders acknowledged progress, many participants stressed that inclusion efforts must continue beyond policy commitments.
The theme of “building bridges” captured this ongoing challenge. Industry leaders emphasised that sustainable progress requires deliberate action across institutions, including procurement practices, leadership development programmes, and access to capital.
Therefore, the conference served not only as a professional gathering but also as part of a wider conversation about the future of Nigeria’s energy sector. As Nigeria continues to balance energy development, sustainability, and economic growth, discussions around workforce inclusion and opportunity are expected to remain central to the sector’s long-term evolution.
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