The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has raised serious concerns over the massive waste of oil and gas resources in Nigeria, particularly the flaring of natural gas that could be harnessed to support industrialization and energy security.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director of SPE, attributed the resource waste to poor infrastructure and low industrial capacity, calling for urgent reforms to ensure better utilization of Nigeria’s energy resources.
Dr. Oppong compared Nigeria’s situation to Ghana, noting, “Ghana has made significant strides in efficient gas utilization, while Nigeria continues to waste substantial gas resources.”
The professional group also bewailed the massive resource waste in the Nigerian petroleum industry where it noted that poor infrastructure and low industrial capacity enabled the utilization of a very small fraction of produced gas.
Dr. Oppong emphasized that accelerating industrialization across Africa is key to creating demand for gas resources.
He noted, “Petroleum remains the most available energy source to drive the continent’s economic growth,” urging African governments to prioritize investments in gas infrastructure and energy projects that stimulate domestic demand.
Nigeria has been flaring gas for decades, despite various government policies aimed at reducing this practice.
The World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Tracker has consistently ranked Nigeria among the top gas-flaring countries in the world. While Ghana has prioritized gas monetization, Nigeria struggles to leverage its natural gas for economic growth.
Beyond resource mismanagement, Africa is facing a critical skills drain, as skilled professionals and young engineers continue to leave the continent in search of better career opportunities abroad.
Dr. Oppong attributed this mass emigration to leadership failures and a lack of investment in human capital, warning that the energy sector is increasingly struggling with a widening talent gap.
“This exodus threatens Africa’s ability to build local capacity for industrial and technological advancements in the energy sector.”
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director of SPE
Nigeria, in particular, has seen a surge in brain drain, with petroleum engineers, geologists, and energy specialists relocating to Europe, North America, and the Middle East for better job prospects and professional development.
The inability of African governments to retain skilled labor poses a serious risk to the sustainability of the continent’s energy industry.
SPE to Address Skills Shortages
To counteract the impact of skills shortages, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has launched initiatives aimed at improving access to professional development and technical training.
“SPE Africa has initiated a move to set up an advisory board of experts from the continent to assist with articulating innovative strategies that would respond to the prevailing energy deficits in the continent.”
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director of SPE
Additionally, SPE has been investing in learning programs for African professionals, hosting over 600 virtual events to facilitate knowledge-sharing across the petroleum industry.
Dr. Oppong also highlighted the “Energy 4 Me” initiative, which focuses on engaging college and university students in energy education.
As part of its broader mission, SPE is advocating for decarbonization in Africa’s petroleum sector, aligning with global energy transition trends.
Dr. Oppong emphasized that while there is growing international pressure for net-zero emissions, Africa must take a realistic and economically viable approach to energy transformation.
“The focus is shifting from transitioning away from fossil fuels to transforming how they are produced and utilized.”
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director of SPE
SPE believes that carbon capture and storage (CCS) presents a cost-effective solution for making petroleum production more sustainable.
“The group is championing innovations that would decarbonize the petroleum industry in a manner that would be cost-effective and economically beneficial to the industry.”
Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director of SPE
The call by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to end wasteful gas flaring, invest in local talent, and adopt sustainable energy strategies presents a crucial roadmap for Nigeria and other African nations.
If implemented effectively, these measures could transform Africa’s energy sector into a globally competitive industry.
As Africa grapples with energy security, leveraging natural resources responsibly and retaining skilled professionals will be essential for the continent’s economic prosperity.
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