Get Guardian on GoogleWomen in Nigeria’s energy sector need more than increased representation to advance their careers, as access to leadership positions, enterprise opportunities, technical roles and professional networks remains critical to achieving meaningful inclusion, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Cecilia Umoren, has said.
She said deliberate efforts were needed to dismantle persistent structural barriers limiting women’s participation and career progression, particularly in technical and field operations and senior management positions.
Umoren, who is also Executive Chairman of Millennium Oil and Gas Company Limited, spoke ahead of WIEN’s six-year anniversary celebration and Gala and Awards 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, at The Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.
She cited International Energy Agency (IEA) data showing that women account for about 20 per cent of the conventional global energy workforce, but occupy only 12 per cent of senior executive positions.
She also referenced Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit data indicating that women make up 16 per cent of Nigeria’s core extractive sector workforce, with their representation in technical and field operations even lower.
According to her, the figures underscore the need for targeted interventions to enable more women to pursue technical careers, secure leadership positions and establish businesses across the energy value chain.
Reflecting on WIEN’s six-year journey, Umoren said the network had made progress in providing a platform for women to build professional relationships, develop their skills and access opportunities in the industry.
She said the anniversary celebration would recognise the achievements of women in the sector, celebrate the resilience of WIEN members and strengthen partnerships to advance their collective interests.
Established in 2020, WIEN provides a platform for women across the energy value chain to develop their careers, access enterprise opportunities and promote equitable representation in the industry. Its activities include mentorship, technical capacity building and strategic policy engagement.
The 2026 gala, hosted by Umoren and convened by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, will also feature the unveiling of the WIEN Energy Sector Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Benchmark, developed in partnership with KPMG.
The benchmark is designed to provide operators, regulators and corporate boards with measurable indicators to assess workplace practices, identify structural gaps and monitor progress in promoting diversity and inclusion across the sector.
WIEN President, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, said the network was established to give women across different segments of the energy value chain a platform to build professional relationships, develop confidence and advance their careers and businesses.
She said the anniversary would provide an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, strengthen partnerships and promote conversations capable of unlocking greater opportunities for professionals across the sector.
The programme will feature a keynote address by industry statesman, Mutiu Sunmonu, on sustainable leadership, human capital development and navigating volatile global energy markets.
Other activities include a presentation reviewing WIEN’s achievements since 2020, an awards ceremony recognising professionals and organisations advancing women’s participation in the energy industry, and the unveiling of the DEI benchmark.
WIEN’s Executive Secretary, Asanimo Omezi, said the gala would also provide opportunities for established industry leaders to connect with emerging female professionals and innovators.
She said the network focused on building professional relationships, developing talent pipelines and ensuring women received the visibility and support needed to advance their careers.
Omezi added that the event would go beyond awards and recognition by fostering meaningful connections between industry leaders and the next generation of female professionals.
The gala is supported by organisations across the energy and financial sectors, including Renaissance Africa Energy, NLNG Limited, Telmek Global Resources, Seplat Energy Plc, FIRST E&P, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Sahara Group and Oando Plc.
Other partners include ND Western Limited, Bank of Industry, Virgin Forest Energy Limited, Rainoil Limited, ExxonMobil, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Aradel Holdings Plc, Tetracore Energy Group, Loyz Marine, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Tenaris Nigeria and Lonadek Global Services.
Registration and corporate table bookings are open ahead of the event through https://bit.ly/wieng
