At a major energy conference in Lagos, industry leaders highlighted the critical role of youth training and policy alignment in shaping Nigeria’s sustainable energy future. TotalEnergies’ Deputy Managing Director, Victor Bandele, emphasized that decades of success in the country’s oil and gas sector hinge not only on natural resources but on nurturing human capital. Speaking at the 2025 Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), Bandele underscored the company’s six-decade-long commitment to skills development through initiatives like its partnership with the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES) at the University of Port Harcourt.
The IPES program, funded by TotalEnergies, equips graduates with expertise for the evolving energy landscape. Over 40 alumni now work at the multinational firm, while others are employed domestically or internationally. Bandele stressed that preparing for future energy demands requires merging historical knowledge with new skills. “Sustainability isn’t about clinging to old practices but reshaping them to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” he said, advocating for educational policies tied to energy transition goals. The company’s directors actively mentor participants, ensuring training aligns with industry shifts, from digitization to renewable integration.
Echoing the need for strategic planning, SPE Nigeria Council Chairperson Engr. Amina Danmadami called for “bold leadership” to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector. She described the global energy transition as a crossroads requiring inclusive policies and cross-border collaboration. “The future will be molded by investments and governance that engage all stakeholders,” she noted during her keynote address. The high-profile conference drew regulators, operators, financiers, and experts, spotlighting themes like gas monetization, infrastructure optimization, and local capacity building.
The 2025 NAICE event also featured technical sessions on pipeline reliability, environmental stewardship, and asset divestment, reflecting Nigeria’s dual focus on immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability. With over 80 exhibitors and multiple panel discussions, the gathering reinforced the urgency of bridging today’s workforce capabilities with tomorrow’s energy realities. Bandele’s remarks align with broader industry trends, as seen in recent commitments by firms like Shell to support Nigeria’s transition strategies. As global energy dynamics shift, the emphasis on adaptable talent development and governance innovation remains central to balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.
