Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) recently welcomed engineers and geologists from eight African nations to its Lagos offices, part of ongoing efforts to mentor emerging talent in the continent’s energy sector. The 25 young professionals, hailing from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Angola, and Uganda, attended as part of the Africa Young Professionals program during the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) annual conference in Lagos.
The visit offered insights into SNEPCo’s operations, including its landmark Bonga deepwater project, which marked Nigeria’s entry into deepwater oil and gas production in 2005. Bonga, situated in waters over 1,000 meters deep, remains a cornerstone of the nation’s energy infrastructure. During the tour, company officials outlined initiatives aimed at fostering technical expertise and leadership. Olaposi Fadahunsi, General Manager for Emerging Projects, emphasized Shell’s collaboration with SPE on scholarships and training programs, urging participants to leverage such opportunities for career growth.
Iyke Nnoaham, General Manager for Deepwater Oil Portfolio, discussed advancements in production optimization, digitalization, and safety protocols, while also addressing career strategies for young professionals. Attendees praised the sessions as “engaging and inspiring,” noting the value of exposure to operational innovations and industry best practices.
SNEPCo’s commitment to talent development extends beyond one-off events. Its Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has provided six-month internships to Nigerian undergraduates for years, blending hands-on training with professional networking. A current cohort of 28 interns from 17 universities is gaining experience across various company divisions, reflecting the program’s role in bridging academic learning and industry demands.
The initiative aligns with broader goals to strengthen Africa’s energy workforce amid global transitions. By equipping young professionals with technical and strategic skills, SNEPCo aims to cultivate a pipeline of leaders capable of addressing both regional energy needs and evolving global challenges.
