Presidential adviser Olu Verheijen warns of challenges from losing oil and gas experts but sees a new focus on training women for key roles.Speaking in Lagos, she emphasized the sector’s potential to empower women and drive economic growth, urging better talent development in Nigeria and Africa.
Women are underutilized in Nigeria’s energy sector, holding 25% of executive roles and 21% of Africa’s energy workforce.Presidential adviser Verheijen vows to boost opportunities for women, stressing inclusion drives industry success.“Africa can’t afford to sideline half its population in a key economic sector,” she warned.Verheijen warned of a skilled manpower loss in Nigeria’s oil sector due to migration and retirement.
A decade-long shortage of engineers and project managers led to a presidential directive on local content to boost capacity.“The goal is to ensure Nigerian firms compete globally,” she said.Verheijen highlighted a decade-long skills gap in Nigeria’s oil sector due to migration and retirement, urging investment in human capital.She stressed the need to engage youth, warning of brain drain if opportunities aren’t provided.“Capacity building is key. Nigeria has the vision, policies, and expertise to succeed,” she said.Verheijen urged PETAN members to invest in local capacity and partner with the government to keep Nigeria a top energy hub.
She highlighted global energy shifts like AI, renewables, and carbon capture, stressing Nigeria’s ongoing reforms under Tinubu are driving growth.Verheijen highlighted key reforms under Tinubu, including subsidy removal, local content regulations, and new fiscal incentives for oil and gas.She noted major investments like the $5bn Bonga North project and growth in clean energy and power sectors, all aimed at improving Nigerians’ lives.
