TotalEnergies has emphasised that Nigeria’s long-term energy sustainability will rely not only on hydrocarbons but also on strategic investment in human resource development.
Speaking during the second panel session of the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos, Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director of Deepwater Assets at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, said one of the company’s strongest contributions to the country’s energy future is its commitment to training and equipping young professionals for the oil and gas sector.
Bandele highlighted the firm’s graduate trainee programme with the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES) at the University of Port Harcourt, a partnership sustained through decades of financial sponsorship and direct mentorship by TotalEnergies directors.
According to Channels TV report, he revealed that about 40 IPES graduates currently work at TotalEnergies, while others are employed in Nigeria’s energy sector and abroad.
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“Sustainability means deliberately including people in meeting today’s energy needs while preparing them for the future,” Bandele said, adding that educational policies must align with the energy transition.
He stressed that the skills required in the future will differ from those of today, making youth-focused training a national development priority.
Earlier, SPE Nigeria Council Chairperson Engr. Amina Danmadami underscored that achieving a sustainable energy future demands intentional leadership and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
“The future of energy will be shaped mainly by investments and sound leadership,” she said.
Themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy”, the 2025 SPE NAICE featured over 80 exhibiting companies, two leadership panels, and discussions on gas monetisation, infrastructure optimisation, and environmental stewardship.
The event also addressed national priorities such as local capacity building, asset divestment, and sustainable development strategies.
Image Credit: The Guardian Nigeria News
