The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers have called for wider use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to boost performance in the country's oil and gas sector. This followed a courtesy visit by NIPetGE President-elect Prisca Kanebi and her delegation to NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, represented by Executive Vice President Gas, Power and New Energy Olalekan Ogunleye, in Abuja. The meeting, detailed in a statement released on Sunday, centred on the future of Nigeria's hydrocarbon industry amid global energy transition pressures, technological shifts and sustainability goals.
NNPCL acknowledged NIPetGE's contributions to policy advocacy, technical growth and innovation in the sector. Kanebi referenced outcomes from the institute's recent conference, proposing a national centre for intelligent energy systems to drive AI, Internet of Things and robotics integration across the petroleum value chain. She praised the Federal Government's decarbonisation initiatives and affirmed NIPetGE's backing for policies promoting sustainability.
The institute recommended a hydrocarbon-linked emissions trading system to position Nigeria in global carbon markets. It also urged fiscal incentives to stimulate local manufacturing and service delivery in the oil and gas industry. Expansion of the Energy Transition Plan to include measurable upstream decarbonisation targets supported by tax credits was another proposal. Additional suggestions included more public-private partnerships in emission control infrastructure, carbon capture projects and hybrid renewable energy schemes.
Both parties emphasised deeper collaboration between industry and academic institutions to strengthen professional capacity and align Nigerian petroleum engineering practices with global benchmarks. NIPetGE disclosed its bill for chartered status had passed second reading and was moving toward third hearing at the National Assembly. NNPCL pledged support for future joint initiatives focused on improving efficiency and innovation in the energy sector.
Prisca Kanebi pushes for AI and emissions trading while leading an institute still seeking chartered status, exposing a gap between ambition and institutional recognition. The proposed national centre for intelligent energy systems would depend on government action and funding that has not been committed. NIPetGE's call for tax credits and local content incentives contrasts with ongoing challenges in implementing existing policies. Without binding timelines or budgetary assurances, the proposals remain aspirational.
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