Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer, is at a turning point. Decades of reliance on oil and gas have driven economic growth but left behind a troubling legacy of environmental damage, inefficiencies, and untapped renewable energy potential. Gas flaring, oil spills, and deforestation continue to harm the nation, while millions of Nigerians remain without access to reliable energy. Amid these challenges lies immense opportunity. Nigeria’s abundance of solar, wind, and hydro resources offers a path to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Achieving this vision requires bold leadership, innovative ideas, and a mix of local knowledge and global expertise. Daniel Isong, a drilling and workover advisor with a career spanning international giants like Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, as well as deep-rooted experience in Nigeria. His background in advanced drilling techniques, environmental management, and operations makes him a key figure in driving sustainable change. In this conversation, Daniel shares his approach to solving Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.

With your extensive experience working in global energy companies and in Nigeria, how does your diverse background equip you to tackle Nigeria’s sustainability challenges?
My experience has taught me how to balance global standards with local realities. Working in the Middle East exposed me to the impact of cutting-edge technology and strict environmental regulations, while my work in Nigeria has shown me the importance of practical, adaptable solutions. This combination enables me to deliver strategies that are both impactful and feasible for Nigeria’s unique challenges.

You have specialised in advanced drilling techniques and environmental management. How can these skills transform Nigeria’s sustainability outlook?
Advanced drilling techniques like extended-reach and horizontal drilling can minimize environmental impacts while maximizing resource extraction efficiency. Applying these methods can reduce operational footprints and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, my focus on environmental management ensures that operations are not only profitable but also align with global sustainability standards, making Nigeria a leader in responsible energy practices while optimally expanding on opportunities to grow our local economy.

What lessons from your international roles can reshape Nigeria’s energy and environmental sectors?
One key lesson is the value of predictive maintenance and AI-driven tools, which improve performance and reduce environmental risks. Predictive maintenance is not new in the industry. AI enhances the process by making the system way more refined, from the data collection process to the analytical process. This streamlines decision making, resulting in optimal efficiency of whatever system in which AI is employed. Another is the importance of clear safety and environmental policies. We can leverage on practices in the Middle East and other more developed areas of the world with thriving oil and gas industries, where every operation aligns with stringent environmental goals. Nigeria can adopt similar measures to reduce oil spills, curb gas flaring, and improve resource management.

Nigeria faces complex environmental and energy challenges. What specific actions can address these, and how does your expertise contribute?
Addressing these issues starts with concrete steps like investing in technologies to capture and use flared gas for energy. My expertise in well engineering allows me to design systems that prioritize efficiency and sustainability. A key aspect is utilizing extended reach and multilateral drilling where suitable reservoirs are available. The other aspect is about the economics. Applying advanced technologies in certain aspects of operations that have been done conventionally comes with huge financial implications. Oil and gas operators look at the cost aspects first, and then check to see if the benefits outweigh the costs. On the environmental side, stricter regulations and well-trained personnel are vital. I also support incentivizing renewable energy, such as solar farms and mini-grids, to bring clean energy to underserved regions.

How can technology accelerate sustainability in Nigeria’s energy sector?
Technology is essential. Advanced drilling techniques, such as extended-reach and horizontal drilling, reduce environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. AI and machine learning can transform equipment maintenance and boost reliability. Renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind systems, can diversify our energy sources. We can explore geothermal power. That is not much different from the oil and gas drilling process we are used to. We also have a long enough coastline with active currents and tides to adopt tidal energy. If the will exists, and the right approaches are taken, power should be among the least of Nigeria’s problems. The challenge will be integrating these tools into Nigeria’s systems in a way that addresses local needs.

You’re passionate about mentorship and research. How do you plan to inspire Nigerian engineers to embrace sustainability?
Mentorship has a multiplying effect. By guiding young engineers and involving them in innovative projects, we can build a generation of professionals ready to lead sustainable initiatives.

Sharing my experiences through training and collaborative work ensures they’re equipped to innovate and prioritize environmental responsibility. Research is also key—my work on AI for asset management demonstrates how new approaches can address long-standing challenges. It is important to acknowledge there are many out there doing a lot of mentorships and contributing hugely to the industry. They might not make the front pages of the papers but the results of their efforts are felt in the industry.