NNPC raises the alarm over widening energy skills gap

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has sounded an alarm over a growing gap in the nation's energy workforce and technical skills, warning that Nigeria risks losing control of its energy future if immediate action is not taken. The Chief Human Resources Officer, Kazachiyang Nuhu, highlighted that the convergence of the Petroleum Industry Act, the "Decade of Gas" initiative, increased local operator participation, and the global energy transition are collectively driving a demand for technical talent that the industry is struggling to meet.

Speaking at the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) conference, Nuhu explained that the evolving energy landscape, influenced by policy changes, market shifts, technological advancements, and the expectations of younger workers, has created a critical demand for technical skills that Nigeria cannot afford to overlook. He pointed out that advancements in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and automation are shortening skill cycles, while capital is increasingly flowing towards liquefied natural gas, cleaner energy sources, and low-carbon opportunities.

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Reskill, reposition or risk becoming a spectator in our own industry

Nuhu cautioned that without urgent reskilling and repositioning of the workforce, Nigeria could be sidelined from participating effectively in the emerging energy economy. He identified several key challenges confronting the industry, including the existing workforce and skills gaps, an aging workforce, and the "japa" phenomenon (brain drain). Additionally, he noted a significant disconnect between academic curricula and industry needs, where educational institutions are not adequately preparing graduates for immediate industry requirements.

To address these challenges, NNPC advocates for a fundamental shift in human capital development. Training programs must be more closely aligned with production, safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency, grounded in current field realities rather than generic manuals. Nuhu called for training to be benchmarked against global standards and enhanced by emerging technologies like simulators, digital twins, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing that every investment in training must yield tangible improvements in safety, workforce skills, and financial performance.

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Every naira spent on training must translate to a safer plant, a skilled employee, and a stronger balance sheet