NIES 2024: Professional women re-emphasize imperative for gender parity in energy sector

…Say women folks have all it takes to drive Africa’s energy industry to the Eldorado

As Africa grapples with the challenges of the energy sector and how to usher in the ideas that will engender its development, the industry is regrettably faced with a glaring gender disparity that impedes its growth.

Also, as the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, it is disheartening to witness the persisting gender gap within the sector. Despite the remarkable potential for women’s contributions, they remain notably absent from various stages of the renewable energy value chain. Startling data reveals that, on average, the energy sector comprises mere 24% women, a stark contrast to the 8% gap in the overall workforce. This underrepresentation, particularly in technical roles, demands attention and concerted efforts to drive change.

This was the main crux of discussion at the Women in Energy Roundtable at the just-concluded 7th Edition of Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2024, which held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The session which held on February 27th, 2024, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), served as a catalyst for transformative dialogue, offering women professionals in the energy sector a vital platform to share experiences, foster inclusivity, and champion gender diversity.

The session moderated by the President of Women In Energy Network (WIEN), Eyono Fatayi-Williams highlighted the importance of integrating women into all levels of the energy value chain, but regretted that the gap is still very wide in Nigeria.  They stressed the urgent need for gender parity in the nation’s energy sector.

They noted that researches have increasingly demonstrated the benefits of integrating gender considerations into the energy value chain and throughout the power sector. When the barriers that prevent women from having equal access to energy and economic opportunities are removed, significant productivity gains are unlocked, thereby strengthening development and economic outcomes. Additionally, women are transforming the energy sector in their roles as energy entrepreneurs, innovators and decision makers.

 The key speaker was Mrs Catherine Uju Ifejika, a WIEN member ,who shared her experience to prove the importance of the women folks in the development of the African energy sector. A lawyer by training, she is the Chairperson/CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited (BUNL), an indigenous petroleum company for upstream exploration and production, and Brittania-U Ghana Limited (BUGL).

Ifejika is believed to be one of the six most powerful women in oil and gas in the world and one of the richest women in Africa, haven received both national and international awards for best practices in business leadership

After her graduation from Ahmad Bello University and law school, Ifejika served a required year in the National Youth Service Corps at Texaco and went on to work in the oil and gas industry for Texaco and Chevron.

 She joined Texaco as a Junior Counsel in 1987, spent two years at Texaco Overseas Petroleum Unlimited from 1988 to 1989, and was Acting Chief Counsel by 1991. This gave her experience in both the upstream and downstream aspects of the petroleum industry. By 1997, she was the Company Secretary and the Manager of Public and Government Affairs.

 As of 2003, she became Company Secretary for Public and Government Affairs for West Africa, a position in which she had dealings with Cameroon, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She served on the board of directors of the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture of Nigeria from 2001 to 2002

In 2007, Uju Ifejika became the Chairperson/CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, a Nigeria-based affiliate of the oil and gas company Brittania-U Group. The company was registered on 15 December 1995 according to the Nigerian Company and Allied Matters Act but did not become active until 2003.

 Brittania-U Nigeria bought a stake in the Ajapa Marginal Field, an oil and gas field which is believed to have reserves worth $4.3billion. She took advantage of a government initiative for the development of marginal fields, and raised money through local investors. In addition to Brittania-U Nigeria, Ifejika has established Data Appraisal Co. Ltd. (2001), Nexttee Oil & Gas Trading Co. Nigeria Ltd. (2009), and Brittania-U Ghana Limited (2010).

As an indigenous company, Brittania-U Nigeria has partnered with local Nigerian communities, hiring locals, and engaging in community-development programs. Uju Ifejika has stated that Brittania-U’s main objectives include people’s well-being, better quality of life, job opportunities, and a safe and clean environment.

She made this narrative to prove that women are well able and cable of contributing values to development of the Nigerian energy industry.

 Other speakers noted that inclusive decision-making is the cornerstone of comprehensive and sustainable progress. Women leaders bring unique perspectives that can shape policies and strategies, with a strong emphasis on clean energy and environmental stewardship. Their role as role models is pivotal, inspiring the next generation of women to shatter traditional gender barriers and actively contribute to clean energy solutions.

With an unwavering commitment to catalyzing positive change and nurturing the next generation of women trailblazers in the energy sector, the Women in Energy Roundtable pledges to inspire, empower, and galvanize towards a future defined by inclusivity, equality, and sustainable progress

The Roundtable was graced by esteemed guests of honour, including Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs Barrister Uju. Among the illustrious panelists slated to grace the session are: Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Energy; Mrs. Adesua Dozie, Vice Chairman, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President (E & P), NNPC Limited; Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, Managing Director, SNEPCo; Mrs. Uju Ifejika, Chairman/CEO, Brittania U Limited; Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Group Managing Director, Technooil Limited.