AI adoption in oil sector gains momentum as NNPCL and petroleum engineers push digital innovation and sustainability reforms

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers have advocated stronger adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

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The position was made known during a courtesy visit by the President-elect of NIPetGE, Prisca Kanebi, and members of her delegation to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja.

Ojulari was represented at the meeting by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye.

According to a statement released on Sunday, discussions focused on the future of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry amid increasing global pressure surrounding energy transition, decarbonisation and technological transformation.

The statement noted that NNPCL acknowledged the role played by NIPetGE in driving policy advocacy, technical innovation and professional development within the petroleum sector.

Speaking during the meeting, Kanebi emphasised the importance of AI adoption in oil sector operations, recommending the establishment of a national centre for intelligent energy systems.

She explained that the proposed centre would support the deployment of artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things across Nigeria’s petroleum value chain.

Kanebi also praised the Federal Government’s decarbonisation initiatives and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting sustainability-focused reforms within the energy industry.

As part of its recommendations, the institute proposed the creation of a hydrocarbon-linked emissions trading system that would enable Nigeria to participate more actively in global carbon markets.

NIPetGE also called for fiscal incentives to strengthen local manufacturing and service delivery within the oil and gas industry.

The institute further recommended the expansion of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan to include measurable upstream decarbonisation targets supported by tax credits.

Other proposals discussed included stronger public-private partnerships in carbon capture infrastructure, emission control projects and hybrid renewable energy initiatives designed to accelerate cleaner energy practices.

Both organisations stressed the urgent need for closer collaboration between industry players and academic institutions to strengthen professional capacity and align petroleum engineering standards in Nigeria with global best practices.

The meeting also highlighted progress on the institute’s legislative push for chartered status, with officials disclosing that the bill had successfully passed second reading at the National Assembly and was advancing towards a third hearing.

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NNPCL pledged continued support for future partnerships with the institute aimed at improving innovation, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s energy sector.