The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) has commended the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers (NIPetGE) for its significant contributions to the advancement of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
This recognition came during a courtesy visit to NNPC Ltd. by NIPetGE’s President-elect, Mrs. Prisca Kanebi, and her delegation. The Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NNPC, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, was represented by the Executive Vice President of Gas, Power, and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kanebi highlighted that the meeting underscored a shared commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry to align with emerging global energy trends. The discussions focused on key issues such as energy transition, technological advancements, operational sustainability, and maintaining long-term competitiveness in the petroleum sector.
Ogunleye praised NIPetGE’s growing influence in policy development and capacity building within the oil and gas industry. He acknowledged the institute’s vital role in driving engineering innovation and technical advancements across Nigeria’s petroleum value chain.
“NNPC Ltd. recognizes the strategic role of NIPetGE in shaping a more innovative and resilient energy sector,” Ogunleye said. He also expressed NNPC’s continued support for the institute and pledged deeper collaboration on strategic industry initiatives.
Kanebi shared insights from the institute’s recent conference, particularly discussions on the Federal Government’s decarbonization policies. She reiterated NIPetGE’s support for policies designed to foster a sustainable and technology-driven hydrocarbon economy.
The President-elect also proposed the establishment of a National Centre for Intelligent Energy Systems. She explained that the center would focus on integrating artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics into petroleum operations to enhance efficiency, productivity, and environmental performance across the industry.
Additionally, Kanebi highlighted NIPetGE’s proposal for a hydrocarbon-based emissions trading framework, which would enable Nigeria to participate more actively in global carbon markets. The institute also recommended fiscal incentives to strengthen local manufacturing and petroleum services.
Kanebi emphasized the need for expanding Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, proposing measurable upstream decarbonization targets. Furthermore, NIPetGE advocated for stronger public-private partnerships in emissions control infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Both NNPC and NIPetGE agreed on the importance of fostering closer collaboration between academia and industry to develop future petroleum professionals. They also stressed the need for knowledge exchange, enhanced professional training, and innovation-driven research partnerships.
Kanebi revealed that NIPetGE’s chartered status bill had passed its second reading in the National Assembly and was steadily progressing towards its third reading.
“We remain committed to driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy industry,” Kanebi concluded.
Both organizations agreed that this engagement marked a significant step towards building a resilient, future-ready petroleum industry.
