Women in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are taking a bold stand against entrenched stereotypes, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women gathered in Abuja for their Annual Convention (PWAC) 2025.

Delivering a stirring keynote, the Executive Vice President, Business Services at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Sophia Mbakwe, called on women to stop viewing themselves as second-class citizens in the male-dominated industry.

“Never feel second class,” Mbakwe urged. “Always hold your head up and have that confidence. Be serious and be able to tackle that stereotype.”

She encouraged women to seize opportunities, even those outside their comfort zones.

“Be adventurous to take the bold step when doors open and opportunity knocks, even if it was not something you thought about, dare to take it and dare to embrace it.”

However, she also emphasized the importance of attitude and professionalism in achieving leadership roles.

“You can have all the money, you can have a PhD, you can have the Master’s, but if you have a bad attitude, it will not take you to the boardroom.”

Mbakwe, who once worked in Frontier Exploration, shared her personal experience of working in remote and dangerous locations like Nasarawa and Maiduguri, alongside military troops.

“I don’t restrict myself. If that is what the job role entails, I will do it. That is why I said: refuse stereotypes for breakfast and be a great woman.”

She also highlighted internal changes within NNPCL promoting gender balance, with women now holding strategic leadership positions.

PENGASSAN Women Commission Chairperson, Comrade Maryann Mbanaso, echoed Mbakwe’s sentiments, saying women are no longer just breaking barriers—they’re building platforms for future generations.

“We are preparing the next generation to surpass us. We are building platforms for the girl-child in STEM, equipping her with tools, mentorship, access, and confidence to rise beyond barriers.”

The theme of the convention, “She Power the Future: Driving Industry Transformation, Innovation, and Leadership”, reflected the ambition of Nigerian women in the oil and gas sector to lead, innovate, and inspire lasting change.