The Women in Energy, Oil, and Gas (WEOG) has urged its members to embrace collaboration as a means of unlocking greater opportunities in the energy sector.
The call was made during WEOG’s Annual Membership Meeting and Inauguration of New Executives and Members, held in Lagos under the theme: “Collaborating for a Sustainable Energy Future.”
Dr. Hansatu Adegbite, National Consultant for Private Sector Partnerships at UN Women, while speaking at the event, highlighted the numerous national and global initiatives designed to support women’s growth in the energy industry.
“There are affirmative procurement policies emerging in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Kaduna States, which I believe will soon be adopted nationwide.
“Some refer to it as gender-responsive procurement or supplier diversity, ensuring that a percentage of public sector contracts go to women-owned businesses,” Adegbite said.
She noted that while Nigeria’s private sector spends over $6.6 billion annually on procurement, less than one percent of women-owned businesses benefit.
To bridge this gap, UN Women and the World Bank are offering training and certification programs to help women access these opportunities.
Adegbite, who also serves on WEOG’s advisory board, encouraged members to collaborate as consortiums or expert groups to strengthen their market position.
“When women collaborate, they leverage their numbers and expertise to access greater opportunities. WEOG must continue to push for advocacy and industry inclusion,” she emphasized.
Empowering Women for Greater Impact
WEOG’s Immediate Past President, Dr. Oladunni Owo, expressed confidence in women’s growing influence in the traditionally male-dominated oil and gas sector. She outlined plans for 2025 that focus on capacity building, training, mentorship, and business growth.
“We are equipping women with the skills to establish and sustain joint ventures, while also fostering collaborations at local, national, and international levels to close the gender gap in the energy value chain,” Owo said.
Addressing Nigeria’s energy landscape, Owo acknowledged the federal government’s ongoing efforts to boost self-sufficiency in energy production.
“The government is working to increase upstream production, enhance local content in the midstream sector, and expand refining capacity to reduce dependency on imported petroleum products. While progress takes time, we are on the right path,” she noted.
A New Era for Women in Energy
In her inaugural speech, WEOG’s newly elected President, Tolu Longe, urged members to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and reshape the narrative of women in the energy industry.
“My administration is committed to strengthening mentorship networks, creating leadership pipelines, and ensuring that no woman in this industry walks alone,” Longe affirmed.
She further emphasized the organization’s role in leading conversations on sustainability, technological advancements, and the future of energy while securing a stronger presence at decision-making tables.
“We will advocate for policies that foster opportunities for women and build strategic alliances that amplify our influence both nationally and globally,” she stated.
The event concluded with the inauguration of new executive members at the chapter, sector, and national levels.
