Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant oil and gas reserves, has for decades been a
male-dominated enclave. This is particularly evident in the downstream and midstream sectors.

While the country grapples with energy poverty, insecurity, and economic stagnation, it seems to
have overlooked a potent resource: women.

It’s a paradox that a sector so vital to national development is gender-biased. While men navigate
the labyrinth of oil rigs and boardrooms, women are relegated to the sidelines. This is not merely
a moral issue; it’s an economic one. Studies have shown that companies with greater gender
diversity outperform those with less diverse workforces. It’s high time Nigeria recognized this
untapped potential.

The Stark Reality

The statistics are as stark as they are damning. The International Centre for Investigative
Reporting (ICIR) had earlier reported how women play a less prominent role in the management
of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries. Women constitute
a minuscule fraction of the workforce in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. An even smaller percentage
occupy leadership roles.

This gender gap is not unique to Nigeria, but its implications are
particularly severe in a country grappling with unemployment and underdevelopment. The ICIR
report showed that out of 40 executive management positions in the petroleum industry, only 10
were occupied by women, signifying 25 per cent of total appointments.

The World Economic

Forum has outlined that in common with many other business sectors, the oil and gas industry,
despite making progress in the recent past, continues to miss out on the full benefits of a diverse
workforce. In particular, participation of women in its global workforce remains less than 20%,
and between 10% and 15% at senior levels.

It’s a missed opportunity of epic proportions. The latest NEITI report has, however, shown that
the trend of gender disparity in the oil and gas sector has continued unabated. Women bring
unique perspectives, skills, and problem-solving abilities to the table. Their inclusion can foster
innovation, improve decision-making, and enhance overall organizational performance. Yet, they
remain largely excluded from a sector that shapes the nation’s economy.

The Economic Imperative

Beyond the moral imperative, there’s a compelling economic argument for gender parity in the
oil and gas sector. Research consistently demonstrates that companies with diverse leadership
teams tend to be more innovative, profitable, and resilient. McKinsey’s research has shown that
companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to
have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile.

For instance, Shell, a global energy giant, has recognized the value of diversity and has made
significant strides in increasing female representation in leadership roles. The company has
reported that diversity has positively impacted its financial performance and innovation.
Overcoming Barriers

To harness the full potential of women in Nigeria’s energy sector, several steps are crucial:
● Policy Reforms: Implementing quotas for women in leadership positions and creating
enabling environments for women to thrive.
● Mentorship and Sponsorship: Establishing programs to connect women with
experienced mentors and sponsors.
● Education and Training: Investing in STEM education for girls to create a robust talent
pipeline.
● Unconscious Bias Training: Educating employees about gender stereotypes to foster a
more inclusive workplace.

Companies in the sector also have a crucial role to play. They must commit to diversity and
inclusion, and create opportunities for women to advance in their careers. It’s not just about
doing the right thing; it’s about business acumen.

Unlocking Potential with the Energy Hack Podcast

To shed light on this critical issue and drive positive change, the Energy Hack Podcast delves
deep into the challenges and opportunities facing women in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Through
insightful conversations with industry leaders, policymakers, and trailblazing women, the
podcast offers a platform for dialogue and inspiration.

By exploring the root causes of the gender gap, highlighting success stories, and discussing
strategies for progress, the Energy Hack Podcast is committed to empowering gender parity and
fostering a more inclusive energy sector.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s oil and gas industry stands at a crossroads. It can continue to be a male-dominated
enclave, or it can embrace diversity and unlock its full potential. The choice is clear. By
empowering women, Nigeria can not only address a longstanding injustice but also supercharge
its economic growth and development. It’s time to ignite the spark of gender parity in the energy
sector.

The journey to gender parity is not without its challenges, but with concerted efforts from
industry leaders, government, and civil society, it is achievable. By investing in gender parity,
Nigeria invests in its future.

The Energy Hack Podcast is at the forefront of this movement, providing a platform for
knowledge sharing and advocacy. By tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insights into the challenges
and opportunities facing women in the energy sector and discover how you can contribute to
building a more equitable future.

Tune in to the Energy Hack Podcast to learn more the influence of gender parity in shaping
Nigeria’s energy landscape.