By Adeyemi Adeleye

 

Experts in the oil and gas industry have said that the adoption of digital technologies would tackle inefficiencies and drive sustainable growth in the energy sector.

 

They spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 2025 Press Week Lecture and Symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel.

 

The theme of the symposium was “Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas”.

 

The gathering drew top industry players, media leaders, traditional rulers, students, and security officials for a wide-ranging dialogue on the future of Nigeria’s most vital industry.

 

Mr 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.

 

He noted that Nigeria’s oil production had risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day and was expected to reach two million barrels soon.

 

Ogunsanya emphasised that increased production would strengthen the naira and fund key infrastructure projects, such as railway networks connecting Lagos to northern, eastern, and southern Nigeria, without excessive borrowing.

 

He stressed the importance of using oil revenue to sustain national development rather than relying heavily on loans, which undermine financial independence.

 

Comparing Nigeria to Norway, Ogunsanya explained how the Nordic country had prudently saved and invested oil earnings into education, infrastructure, and long-term development, in contrast to the nation’s monthly revenue distribution system.

 

Mr Clement Isong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), represented by the Secretary of the Association, Ms Ogechi Nkwoji, highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders and regulators in the sector to embrace digital technologies.

 

According to him, digital evolution can boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, and align with sustainability goals.

 

Isong pointed out 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 said.

 

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 Isong, the solution lies in integrated digital tools such as sensors, automation, analytics, and secure transaction systems to monitor refining, storage, distribution, and retail activities.

 

He highlighted key technologies including IoT forecourt automation for real-time pump activity and sales tracking, remote pricing and reconciliation systems at retail fuel stations, AI-powered pipeline leak detection, terminal automation for depot operations, digital tank gauging, and predictive maintenance.

 

He also mentioned blockchain for supply chain transparency and cashless fueling platforms.

 

He added that many MEMAN members were already advancing toward digitalisation.

 

This, he said, would improve 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 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.

 

Yusuf underscored that digitalisation was no longer optional but essential to remain globally competitive, 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 the Federal Government to leverage technology to support export innovations across Africa.

 

He advocated expanding pipeline infrastructure to transport gas to North Africa and Europe, reducing dependence on crude oil.

 

Oni 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.

 

Chief Joseph Keshinro, Chairman of the Lagos State Baales Forum, encouraged Nigerian youths to acquire digital skills to help transform the energy sector.

 

The event’s panel discussion, moderated by Mr Olu Philips, Energy Editor of Channels Television, featured Mr Henry Adigun, an oil & gas consultant; Mr Emeka Ugwuanyi Publisher, TBI Africa Magazine), and Mr Adewale Sanyaolu (Energy Editor, The Sun Newspapers).

 

The panel urged government and youths to innovate and harness technology to revolutionise Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

 

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Tijani Fatai, pledged to safeguard oil and gas investments during this period of digital transformation.

 

He highlighted enhanced security collaboration with the Armed Forces, NSCDC, FRSC, and DSS, alongside technology investments such as command centres, drone surveillance, and geo-fencing systems.

 

Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of NAN, expressed confidence that the insights shared would deepen understanding of digital transformation in the oil and gas sector.

 

He commended the NUJ-NAN Lagos leadership for proactive initiatives aligned with global trends and highlighted NAN’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and workforce training.

 

The NUJ-NAN Chapel Chairman, Mr Yunus Yusuf, urged all stakeholders to leverage digital technology for a more transparent, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

 

He emphasised deploying digital tools to drive sustainability, empower communities, and reshape Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa