Joseph Bakare
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has commended the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers (NIPetGE) for its growing influence in shaping policy, strengthening technical capacity, and advancing innovation across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The endorsement came during a high-level courtesy visit by NIPetGE’s President-elect, Engr. Prisca Kanebi, who led a delegation to the ministry in Abuja, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector in line with global energy transition priorities, technological evolution, and sustainability targets.
Ministry officials praised the institute for its emergence as a critical professional voice in the industry.
They noted its role in supporting reforms and promoting best practices at a time when the sector faces increasing pressure to adapt to cleaner energy pathways.
Speaking at the meeting, Kanebi highlighted outcomes from the institute’s recent conference, particularly its alignment with the Federal Government’s decarbonisation drive.
She reaffirmed NIPetGE’s readiness to support policies that will position Nigeria as a technologically advanced and environmentally responsible hydrocarbon producer.
As part of its engagement, the institute presented a suite of far-reaching proposals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy framework. Central among them is the creation of a National Centre for Intelligent Energy Systems to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and robotics across the oil and gas value chain.
Other recommendations include the establishment of a hydrocarbon-based emissions trading framework to enable Nigeria’s participation in global carbon markets, as well as targeted fiscal incentives to stimulate local manufacturing and service delivery within the sector.
NIPetGE also called for an expansion of the Energy Transition Plan to incorporate measurable upstream decarbonisation milestones backed by tax credits, alongside increased investment in public-private partnerships focused on emission control infrastructure, carbon capture hubs, and hybrid renewable energy projects.
The institute stressed the need for a balanced energy strategy that sustains hydrocarbon investments while scaling renewable and digital energy systems to guarantee long-term energy security.
Bridging Skills Gap, Strengthening Institutions
Both parties emphasised the urgency of closing the gap between academia and industry, advocating stronger collaboration to improve knowledge transfer, professional competence, and global competitiveness among Nigerian engineers.
NIPetGE also provided an update on its legislative push for full autonomy, disclosing that its bill has passed second reading at the National Assembly and is progressing toward a third hearing as it seeks chartered status.
In a key outcome of the visit, the Ministry pledged support for the institute, signalling readiness to partner on initiatives that promote innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in the sector.
NIPetGE, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the national oil company and other stakeholders to drive reforms and strengthen the industry.
The engagement highlights a deepening partnership between government and professional bodies, widely seen as essential to building a resilient, future-ready energy sector aligned with global sustainability standards.