The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has raised concerns over the growing shortage of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s energy sector, warning that the country could struggle to compete in the evolving global energy market without urgent investment in human capital.
The company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Kazachiyang Nuhu, made the remarks on Thursday at the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria Human Capital Development Conference and Expo in Warri, Delta State.
Nuhu said changes in the petroleum industry, driven by the Petroleum Industry Act, the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, increased participation of indigenous operators and the global energy transition, were creating new demands for specialised technical skills.
He said the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies was also changing the nature of jobs in the industry, while investment was shifting towards liquefied natural gas, cleaner energy sources and low-carbon projects.
According to him, Nigeria must accelerate the retraining and repositioning of its workforce to ensure that local professionals remain relevant as the energy sector changes.
He identified skills shortages, an ageing workforce, the migration of skilled workers and the disconnect between academic training and industry requirements as key challenges affecting the sector.
Nuhu also highlighted gaps in safety practices, refinery operations, LPG safety, digital oilfield technology, environmental management, predictive maintenance and other technical areas.
He called for industry training programmes to be tied more closely to actual operational needs, saying investment in human capital should translate into improved safety, productivity, reliability and business performance.
The NNPC executive urged training providers to adopt modern technologies, including simulators, digital twins, virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence, while ensuring that their programmes meet international standards.
He disclosed that NNPC would also review its engagement with training providers to ensure that its partners were preparing workers for the industry’s future rather than relying on outdated practices.
Nuhu said the company was strengthening its workforce through professional development programmes, career pathways, mentorship, leadership development and knowledge transfer.
He further argued that Nigerian content should be measured by the expertise Nigerians acquire and their ability to lead major projects to international standards, rather than simply by the number of Nigerians employed.
Also speaking, OGTAN President, Chris Osarunmewense, said the industry’s human capital challenges required cooperation among government, regulators, energy companies, training providers, universities and technical institutions.
He said the decision to hold the 2026 conference in Warri reflected the city’s longstanding importance to Nigeria’s petroleum industry and its contribution to the country’s technical workforce.
Osarunmewense noted that the Niger Delta possessed significant human capital and technical potential that could support Nigeria’s energy ambitions.
He added that no single organisation could address the sector’s workforce challenges alone, stressing the need for coordinated efforts across the energy value chain.
