The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has said that for Nigeria and the African continent to fully maximise their hydrocarbon potential, women must be placed at the centre of decision-making and leadership.
Eyesan made the assertion on Tuesday at the 3rd Edition of the Diversity Sectoral Working Group Annual Women in Oil and Gas Conference.
She stressed that inclusive leadership is critical to driving sustainable growth and innovation across the energy industry.
“The future of Nigeria’s energy sector will not be fully realised unless women rise deliberately, visibly, and strategically to lead across the entire energy value chain,” she stated.
According to her, empowering women in the oil and gas sector goes beyond representation, noting that it requires creating enabling structures that support their advancement into executive and technical leadership roles.
She underscored the need for deliberate policies, mentorship, and institutional reforms to bridge existing gender gaps in the upstream petroleum industry and the broader energy ecosystem.
Eyesan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the regulatory framework, adding that balanced participation will strengthen governance, enhance operational efficiency, and improve sectoral competitiveness.
She called on industry stakeholders to prioritise gender inclusion as a strategic imperative for unlocking Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources and positioning the country as a leading energy hub on the continent.
