Oil and gas experts in Nigeria have advocated the need for the full adoption of digital technologies to overcome the complex challenges facing the country’s critical energy sector.
They spoke at the 2025 Press Week Lecture and Symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel in Lagos.
Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), represented by Vice Chairman, Mr Obi Uzu, highlighted the role of digital solutions across exploration, drilling, production, and other oil services.
According to him, Nigeria’s oil production had risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day and was expected to reach two million barrels soon.
He emphasised that increased production would strengthen the naira and fund key infrastructure projects like railway networks connecting Lagos to northern, eastern, and southern Nigeria — without excessive borrowing.
He stressed the import of using oil revenue to sustain national development rather than relying heavily on loans, which undermine financial independence.
Mr Clement Isong, CEO and Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), represented by Ms Ogechi Nkwoji, highlighted the urgent need for the sector’s stakeholders and regulators to embrace digital technologies.
According to him, digital evolution can boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, and align with sustainability goals.
He added that the downstream energy sector forms the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
“When the downstream system functions well, commerce thrives, hospitals operate, and markets stay open. When it fails, chaos and hardship follow immediately,” he added.
He identified challenges such as price volatility, equipment failures, fuel losses, fraud, and environmental risks, linking them to aging infrastructure, poor record-keeping, and skill gaps.
According to him, the solution lies in integrated digital tools like sensors, automation, analytics, and secure transaction systems to monitor refining, storage, distribution, and retail activities.
He highlighted key technologies to include: IoT forecourt automation for real-time pump activity and sales tracking, remote pricing and reconciliation systems at retail fuel stations.
He listed other tools to include AI-powered pipeline leak detection, terminal automation systems for depot operations, digital tank gauging and predictive maintenance.
He said tools also included blockchain for supply chain transparency and cashless fueling platforms.
He added that many MEMAN members were already progressing towards digitalisation, which he said would improved safety, environmental protection, operational efficiency, financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and workforce productivity.
Dr Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), called for urgent policy reforms alongside digital transformation to unlock Nigeria’s oil and gas potential.
Speaking on “Unlocking the Potential of Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector and Promoting Digital Transformation,” he stressed the need for coherent policies, strong institutions, and bold leadership to attract investment, increase production, diversify revenue, and create jobs.
He underscored that digitalisation is no longer optional but essential to remain competitive globally, particularly as investors increasingly demand transparency and robust ESG reporting.
Dr Ayodele Oni, Partner and Chair of Energy & Natural Resources Practice Group at Bloomfield Law Practice, urged Nigeria to leverage technology to support its citizens and export innovations across Africa.
He advocated expanding pipeline infrastructure to transport gas to North Africa and Europe, reducing dependence on crude oil.
He emphasised the critical role of technology in remotely monitoring oil and gas facilities, warning that without continued evolution, Nigeria risks falling behind as global energy transitions to electric vehicles and cleaner fuels.
Also, Mr Aveek Biswas,Head, Corporate Communications , Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) commends the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel for the successful hosting of its Press Week.
According to Biswas, we are honoured to have participated in this important gathering, which reflects our shared commitment to advancing conversations around innovation, technology, and sustainability in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“As part of this commitment, SEEPCO has continued to roll out additional technology-driven platforms, including a real-time digital incident reporting system, a digital Unsafe Act and Unsafe Condition (UAUC) reporting tool, Safety Observation Reporting Tracking (SORT), and a streamlined e-Permit to Work (PTW) system.
“These platforms are designed to enhance transparency, strengthen compliance, and ensure prompt responsiveness across our operations.
“They form part of our broader focus on responsible oil and gas exploration and production that supports Nigeria’s economic development while aligning with global industry standards.
He said that the company take pride in these achievements, “we also recognize that our journey is ongoing.
He addd that “This gathering reinforces the importance of collaboration—between industry, media, and society—to drive technological innovation that advances safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
“The media, as a strategic partner, plays a central role in ensuring accurate and constructive narratives about Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and through collaboration with stakeholders such as the NUJ–NAN Chapel, these conversations will continue to strengthen the collective drive towards a more innovative and sustainable oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
Sterling Oil remains committed to deepening the application of digital innovation across its operations to strengthen Nigeria’s energy transformation journey.
