The challenges and opportunities facing young professionals in Nigeria’s downstream and midstream sectors are similar to a comparison of Nigeria’s effort to the United States’ ambitious project to land humans on the Moon in the 1960s.
Addressing young professionals as lead guest speaker of the 2024 SPE Nigeria Annual Conference and Exhibition, which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, the Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited, Engr. Effiong Okon emphasised that improving energy infrastructure and ensuring widespread access to electricity is a critical, high-priority goal for Nigeria, much like how the Moon landing was a defining goal for the United States. This, he explained, is due to the recognition that reliable energy access is fundamental to economic development, social well-being, and overall national progress.
Okon said: “As I reflect on the path that has brought us to where we are today, it’s clear that we are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancement. The tools and technologies at your disposal far exceed what was available in previous decades. You are a generation of digital natives, immersed in a world where information is at your fingertips, and solutions are often just a click away. But this advantage comes with its own set of challenges”.
He said further that understanding the fundamentals of the energy industry remains as critical as ever. “There’s no substitute for a deep understanding of the basics, whether it’s reservoir modeling, forecasting, or the intricacies of facility construction. As we integrate more technology into our operations, it’s important not to lose sight of the foundational knowledge that underpins our work”, he explained.
‘Effy’, as he’s popularly called in the energy industry, gave an example of recent issues faced by airlines due to failures in their IT systems. He said it serves as a reminder of the importance of building resilience, not just in technology, but in the sector’s own capabilities. He asked some rhetorical questions such as, what is your backup plan when technology fails? How do you ensure that you can still deliver results?
Okon said: “As we strive to innovate and incorporate new technologies into our business, we must also remain grounded in the fundamentals. Understanding how to model a reservoir, forecast production, and design facilities is not just about pushing buttons on a screen—it’s about knowing what’s behind those buttons and why it matters”.
He gave an example of Nigeria on a broader landscape. According to him, Nigeria, for instance, remains one of the top countries in terms of energy poverty. The contrast between the country’s energy access and that of more developed nations is stark. While the average per capita energy consumption in countries like the United Kingdom is about 4.5 MWh, it is a mere fraction of that in Nigeria.
According to him, the energy gap Nigeria faces is a significant challenge, but it also presents an enormous opportunity for young professionals. He enjoined them that as they navigate their careers, it is essential to recognise the evolving landscape of the global energy sector. While traditional roles focused on surface facilities, project management, and reliability would continue to be important, he said, adding that there is a growing demand for skills in data science, neural networks, and other emerging technologies.
He said: “The energy transition is underway, and it is reshaping the industry in profound ways. There is growth in regions like Africa, India, and China, while growth in more developed economies is slowing. This shift will have a major impact on energy demand, and it will also change the primary sources of energy. While fossil fuels will remain relevant, the future will see a greater emphasis on renewables and low-carbon solutions.
“For Nigeria, the potential is enormous. We have vast reserves of gas and significant opportunities for growth in the gas sector. Projects worth billions of dollars are being developed, aimed at increasing our gas production and reducing flaring. These projects will require a new generation of professionals who are equipped with the skills to drive them forward.
“As we look to the future, it is clear that careers in the energy sector are evolving. Decommissioning of old assets, for example, will become a significant area of focus as fields mature. At the same time, new opportunities will emerge in renewable energy, carbon capture, and other innovative areas.
“Young professionals must be adaptable and forward-thinking. He enjoined them on the need to be prepared for a future where traditional roles may no longer exist, and where new skills will be required. The ability to continuously learn, unlearn, and adapt will be critical to their success”.
He admonished young professionals to identify their goals, find their knowledge gaps, formulate a plan, learn new skills, act on their new skills, and stay adaptable.
He said that, to remain relevant in today’s oil and gas business environment as young professionals, they must to focus on professional and personal development, focus on increasing value to the company, invest in education and knowledge to stay competitive, have a learner mindset and maintain organisation awareness, have a good brand and strong online presence, embrace diversity and inclusiveness, stay abreast of industry trends, network effectively, and be specialised but flexible.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Market Trends and Economic Outlook in the Downstream and Midstream Sectors: Roles and Opportunities for Young Professionals’.
