ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers (NIPetGE) have called for wider adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The two institutions said emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and automation are critical to modernizing operations across the energy value chain.
They made the call while discussing strategies to enhance productivity, reduce operational risks, and strengthen decision-making in the sector.
NNPC officials noted that digital transformation has become essential for global energy competitiveness, especially as the industry shifts toward smarter and more efficient systems.
They explained that AI-driven tools can help improve exploration accuracy, optimize production processes, and reduce downtime in oil and gas operations.
NIPetGE stressed the need for engineers in the sector to upgrade their digital skills in order to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
The institute said Nigeria must embrace innovation to close existing gaps in efficiency and align with global best practices in energy management.
Industry experts say artificial intelligence is already transforming global oil and gas operations through predictive maintenance, seismic data analysis, and automated drilling systems.
They argue that Nigeria risks falling behind if it fails to integrate advanced technologies into its energy infrastructure.
The push for digitalization also comes as Nigeria continues efforts to boost crude oil production, improve refining capacity, and attract foreign investment into the sector.
NNPC has recently embarked on reforms aimed at increasing transparency, operational efficiency, and profitability within the national oil company.
Stakeholders believe AI adoption could also help reduce costs and improve safety standards across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Energy analysts say digital transformation could play a key role in reducing production losses and enhancing revenue generation for Africa’s largest oil producer.
However, they also caution that infrastructure limitations, funding constraints, and skill gaps may slow down the pace of adoption.
The institutions emphasized the importance of partnerships between government agencies, private investors, and academic institutions to drive innovation in the sector.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies that encourage technological advancement and sustainable energy development in Nigeria.
Attention now shifts to how quickly oil and gas operators in the country will integrate artificial intelligence into their core operations.
