NAPE Warns Aging Workforce May Erode Oil Industry Gains

Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has warned that the aging workforce in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry if not quickly addressed will erode gains already recorded in the sector, especially as local industries have continued to make significant investments.

The Association however commended the Nigerian government for its recent energy policies, which have attracted investments into the oil and gas industry and boosted oil production.

The NAPE president, Johnbosco Uche, expressed his appreciation during a recent visit to the Special Adviser on Energy to the president, Olu Verheijen. NAPE emphasised the crucial role of human capital development in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry during their visit.

To address the looming skills gap, the Association underscored the importance of training Nigerian graduates to replace the aging workforce. The NAPE proudly highlighted its contributions to this effort, including donations of workstations to Nigerian universities and training programmes for university lecturers and students.

These initiatives aim to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills and expertise needed to drive the industry forward.

Looking ahead, NAPE urged the government to implement incentives that encourage targeted gas exploration, while also tackling the barriers hindering development and production. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock its full potential as Africa’s leading gas producer, driving economic growth and energy security for generations to come.

Uche vowed to harness NAPE’s vast network of over 12,000 members to showcase Nigeria’s energy sector progress while promising to share his expertise and insights to facilitate the discovery of additional oil and gas resources, further solidifying NAPE’s position as a leading voice in the industry.

Verheijen responded by acknowledging NAPE’s significant contributions to the industry.  She outlined the government’s initiatives aimed at attracting investments, developing unappraised discoveries, and boosting production.

According to her, these initiatives have already shown significant success, with recent Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) totalling over $5 billion.  This substantial investment is a testament to the government’s efforts to create a more attractive environment for investors.

Furthermore, Verheijen emphasised the importance of human capital development, highlighting the government’s collaboration with relevant agencies to establish local training centres. This move, he said, aims to enhance the skills and expertise of Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas sector, ensuring they can compete effectively in the global market

Verheijen concluded by inviting NAPE to continue its partnership with the government to advance the industry and drive sustainable growth.