NOG2026: Visibility Must Match Substance, NNPC, NCDMB, Others Charge Emerging Energy Professionals

Industry leaders have urged young professionals to prioritise competence, intentional career development, and value creation as they prepare to shape the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Speaking during the “Emerging Leaders: Shaping the Future of Energy” strategic panel session at NOGEnergyWeek2026 on Monday, Godslove Chinyere Oliver, Process Design Analyst at NNPC, emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for young professionals to take on meaningful responsibilities within organisations.

She noted that NNPC is intentional about nurturing the next generation of energy professionals by providing platforms that enable them make tangible contributions and drive innovation across the sector.

Also speaking at the session, Bashir Ahmed, Assistant Manager, PCAD, at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), stressed that visibility must match substance to avoid credibility issues in the industry.

According to him, the conversation has evolved from the quantity of local participation to the quality of talent, competence, and value creation.

He added that the industry now places greater emphasis on employability and the substance that the next generation brings to the workforce.

Engr. Yetunde Aladeitan, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NiPeTE), in her remarks encouraged emerging professionals to be intentional about the services they offer and the value of the content they create.

She further remarked that building a lasting professional reputation requires consistency, excellence, and deliberate career development.

The panellists agreed that while technical skills and competence are essential, they must be supported by an enabling environment through policies, mentorship, and institutional support that empower young professionals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the future of the energy industry.