The Nigerian Gas Association(NGA) and the Women In Energy Network(WIEN) have commenced a stronger push towards addressing perceived disparities, especially, as it concerns gender inequality in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
To achieve this and in line with contemporary good practices on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the NGA has established a DEI Study Group.
This study group will champion the NGA’s drive for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive oil and gas industry in Nigeria and in so doing, help to interrogate the status quo, identify relevant issues, challenges and opportunities and ultimately proffer recommendations to deliver the long overdue transformational changes on DEI.
Chaired by Engr Chichi Emenike, the DEI Study Group is tasked with developing programmes, solutions and awareness campaigns that will create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, abilities and gender, can thrive and contribute to the industry’s growth through strategic collaboration, and innovative initiatives, supported by the NGA’s unwavering commitment.
Other members of the DEI Study Group include; Eyono- Fatayi-Williams – vice chairperson, and Ekomobong Alfred – secretary.
In alignment with the NGA’s objective, the DEI Study Group is collaborating with the Women In Energy Network (WIEN), a leading advocacy platform for women’s advancement in the energy sector. The DEI Study Group will leverage WIEN’s extensive network and its commitment to empowerment in bequeathing a more equitable and diverse energy sector.
Commenting on the initiative, Engr Emenike stated that, “we are keen to foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion within the oil and gas industry by promoting valuable opportunities and support for women, whilst driving innovation excellence and sustainable growth for the industry and beyond.
“We are proud to partner with WIEN on this mission, and together, we will be pioneering change, amplifying voices, and creating pathways for women to excel in their careers.”
The DEI Study Group seeks to achieve its goals by encouraging industry players to amongst other initiatives, create more internship opportunities for women, enabling them to gain practical experience and contribute to the industry’s development.
It is also expected to promote enhanced early-stage access for girls to Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (‘STEM’) subjects which will ultimately enhance the technical talent pipeline for women and in the long term, improve DEI statistics in the oil and gas industry.
The DEI Study Group will also institute mentorship programmes and relationships that will provide guidance, support, and opportunities for networking to young women in the industry, and for that purpose is mandated to collaborate with industry leaders to improve the policy environment and organisational practices that support gender diversity and inclusion.
Also commenting on the DEI initiative, the president of the NGA, Mr Akachukwu Nwokedi said, “We are convinced that the time is now for organisations like the NGA to lead in entrenching the core values of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in the oil and gas industry, Nigeria’s economic driver to grow and sustain a more diverse workforce in the energy sector.
“We enjoin individuals, organisations, and stakeholders within the Nigerian oil and gas sector to join us on this transformative journey.”
“Through participation in the NGA DEI Study Group, you can contribute to shaping an industry that embraces these core values, and inclusion culture as we work towards a brighter future for all,” he added.
