Women in Energy Seek Growth Through Collaboration

Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), an organisation in Nigeria dedicated to advancing women’s participation in the oil industry, has called on its members to collaborate in unlocking new opportunities within the sector.

The appeal was made on Friday in Lagos during the organisation’s annual membership meeting, which also featured the inauguration of new executives and members.

WEOG noted the importance of strategic partnerships and innovation in fostering growth and sustainability for women professionals in the energy industry.

The event was themed ‘Collaborating for a Sustainable Energy Future.’

Dr Hansatu Adegbite, National Consultant for Private Sector Partnerships at UN Women, highlighted various national and global initiatives supporting women’s progress in the industry.

“There are affirmative procurement policies emerging in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Kaduna States.

“I believe this will soon become a national policy. Some refer to it as gender-responsive affirmation or supplier diversity,” Adegbite said.

She explained that this policy ensures a percentage of public procurement contracts in the private sector are allocated to women-owned businesses.

“In Nigeria, over $6.6 billion is spent annually on procurement, yet less than one percent of women-owned businesses benefit from these opportunities,” she noted.

Adegbite said UN Women and the World Bank are training women to manage procurement processes and obtain necessary certifications.

As an advisory board member of WEOG, she urged members and executives to establish a strong organisational structure and strategic positioning.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that women should unite to leverage their expertise and strengthen their competitive advantage.

“When women collaborate, they harness the power of numbers and expertise, opening doors to greater opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged WEOG to remain united and continue advocating for women in the energy, oil, and gas industries.

The immediate past president of WEOG, Dr Oladunni Owo, expressed confidence in women making significant strides in the male-dominated oil industry.

Owo predicted increased collaborations in 2025, focusing on capacity building, training, mentorship, and business expansion.

She said women would be trained to form long-lasting joint ventures.

“We aim to leverage this theme to establish local, national, and international collaborations, closing the gender gap in the energy sector,” she stated.

On Nigeria’s energy situation, Owo acknowledged government efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

She noted that the administration is working to increase upstream production, midstream Nigerian content, and local refining capacity.

“It is a work in progress, but we will get there,” she said.

The new WEOG president, Tolu Longe, urged members to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and reshape the narrative for women in the industry.

Longe pledged her administration’s commitment to strengthening mentorship, creating leadership pathways, and ensuring no woman in the sector is left behind.

“We will lead discussions on sustainability, technological advancements, and the future of energy.

“We will secure our place at decision-making tables, advocate for policies that create opportunities, and build strategic alliances with national and global impact,” she said.

The new executives for chapters, sectors, and national levels were also inaugurated.