Ayobayo Kolapo is a chemical engineer and energy consultant in Africa’s gas and power sectors. Her expertise includes infrastructure development, energy advisory, and clean energy transition strategies, with a strong interest in decarbonization technologies and climate-resilient systems.  In an interview with KOLAWOLE OLANIYI, Kolapo, among other things, spoke on how  Nigeria can meet its climate and development goals. 

 Your professional journey spans process engineering, gas consulting, and energy asset management. What originally inspired you to step into the energy sector, and what keeps you here today?

There were a couple of things that drew me into the energy sector, but what truly sparked my interest was the realisation of just how much the lack of reliable power affects productivity, both individually and nationally. In Nigeria, power outages aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a major economic barrier. A World Bank report in 2021 stated that Nigeria loses about $29 billion annually due to inadequate power supply. That loss is felt everywhere: from small businesses to national output. That loss is felt everywhere: from small businesses to national output.

Even more troubling is how widespread and normalised the use of generators has become. Almost every home or business owns one. While they may fill a gap, they come at a cost—financially, environmentally, and in terms of public health. The fumes they release pose a serious risk, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods.

And here’s the paradox that deeply bothered me: Nigeria is home to the largest proven natural gas reserves in Africa, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, with even more unproven reserves. So the big question for me became: how can a country so rich in gas resources struggle so much with power generation, which largely depends on gas?

That contradiction motivated me to dig deeper. I realised that to drive real change, I had to be in spaces where strategic decisions are made—whether through policymaking or advising investors. There are people who want to invest in Nigeria’s energy sector but lack the technical guidance or policy clarity to act confidently. That’s where I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

As for what keeps me here, it’s the evolving nature of the energy landscape. We’re now at a critical juncture where the world is transitioning toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of power. But for countries like Nigeria, that transition isn’t straightforward. We haven’t even fully harnessed our gas potential, and yet we’re being asked to pivot toward renewables. I’m passionate about helping us navigate that complexity—creating a just and balanced energy transition that acknowledges where we are, leverages what we have, and prepares us for where we’re going.

You have worked across Unilever and held multiple roles in GasInvest. What were some defining moments or lessons from these diverse experiences that shaped your approach to energy systems and industrial optimisation?

Each phase of my career has deepened my understanding of how energy systems operate—and where meaningful impact can be made. At Unilever, I worked in a fast-paced manufacturing environment that emphasised lean operations and production excellence. It was there that I learned that small process improvements, when applied consistently, can lead to significant gains in cost savings, energy efficiency, and sustainability. That experience gave me my first real appreciation for how industrial energy use shapes broader economic and environmental outcomes.

My time at GasInvest expanded that perspective further. I had the opportunity to contribute to an LPG project in Equatorial Guinea and supported the development and implementation of gas policies for the Lagos State Government in Nigeria. These weren’t just technical assignments—they were system-wide efforts requiring the alignment of national priorities, investment frameworks, and long-term energy planning.

What stood out to me most was seeing how the knowledge I had acquired—even as a student—could influence real-world decisions and help shape a more sustainable energy future. Those moments reminded me that impact isn’t limited by geography—it’s about showing up with the right skillset, the right insight, and a genuine intention to create value. That realization was a defining moment for me, and it fundamentally reshaped how I see my role in the sector.

Since then, I’ve come to view the entire gas value chain—from production to policy—as filled with untapped opportunities. Whether it’s reducing waste, enabling cleaner alternatives, or supporting smarter infrastructure investments, there’s room for all of us to make a difference. That belief continues to shape my work today—with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to building a more balanced, secure, and sustainable energy future.

In your article “Why Nigeria Must Embrace Carbon Capture Now”, you made a compelling case for CCUS. What motivated you to write that piece, and what has been the most common reaction you have received since publishing it?

What motivated me to write that piece was a sense of urgency. I’ve spent years working across Nigeria’s energy landscape, and one thing has become increasingly clear: if we’re going to meet our development goals while addressing climate concerns, we can’t ignore the role of carbon capture and storage. Nigeria is a gas-rich nation, and while gas is often framed as a transition fuel, it still emits CO₂. CCUS offers us a practical way to decarbonise without halting progress. I felt it was important to spark that conversation—not just in policy circles, but among investors, academics, and even the general public.

Since publishing the article, the reactions have been mixed but encouraging. Many readers appreciated that it moved beyond just technical advocacy and placed CCUS in a local context—how it ties into Nigeria’s energy security, job creation, and our broader economic resilience. Some were surprised by the potential scale of CCUS applications, especially in industries like cement and steel. Others have raised valid concerns about cost, infrastructure, and governance, which are all challenges we need to confront openly. But overall, the piece has opened up more dialogue, and that was exactly the goal: to move the conversation from the margins into the mainstream.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is still underexplored in many African countries. What do you believe are the biggest misconceptions about CCUS, especially in the Nigerian context?

It’s important to first note that underinvestment in CCUS isn’t unique to Africa. Even in some advanced economies, the technology is still at an early stage of deployment. Countries like Japan, Australia, and parts of Europe have been relatively slow in scaling CCUS, often due to infrastructure challenges, high costs, or lack of policy clarity. So, this isn’t just “an African issue”—it’s a global learning curve. That said, in Nigeria and across much of Africa, one of the biggest misconceptions is that CCUS is a luxury technology—one we can’t afford or don’t need. It’s often viewed as something for wealthier nations, when in reality, it can play a critical role in helping us meet both development and decarbonization goals. Nigeria is still heavily reliant on gas, and CCUS offers a way to decarbonise without derailing progress on energy access and industrial growth. Another misconception is that CCUS is only relevant to oil and gas, as a way to prolong fossil fuel use. But that’s a narrow view. Hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and petrochemicals—which are essential to Nigeria’s economy—also need viable pathways to cut emissions. CCUS provides that option. There’s also limited awareness around the “utilisation” side of the technology. It’s not just about burying CO₂ underground—it can be repurposed into products like synthetic fuels, construction materials, and even used in agriculture. That opens up commercial opportunities, not just environmental benefits. The real challenge isn’t technological—it’s narrative and policy alignment. We need to move past the idea that CCUS is a foreign or optional solution and begin to see it as a strategic tool for economic resilience and energy transition, tailored to our unique context.

Let’s talk about gender in energy. What are the most significant barriers you think women still face in technical and leadership roles in this sector, and how have you navigated or confronted some of those yourself?

To be honest, I don’t often frame my experience through the lens of gender barriers. I’ve been fortunate to work in environments where I was given space to grow based on my skills and contributions. But I do think the issue of underrepresentation stems from something deeper—and earlier.

In my view, the most significant challenge isn’t necessarily bias in the workplace—it’s the lack of early participation. From high school to university, there just aren’t enough young women being encouraged to pursue engineering or energy-related fields. By the time we get to the corporate world, it’s not that women are being excluded—it’s that many were never included from the beginning.

That’s why I believe the real work is upstream. We need to actively encourage girls to explore science and technical careers early on, show them that these paths are possible, and provide mentors who reflect what they can become. If we do that, representation in leadership will become a natural outcome, not something we have to continuously fight for later.

So for me, it’s not about navigating around barriers. It’s about helping create a pipeline that ensures more women are in the room to begin with.

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make in the next 5–10 years? Are you more drawn to policy influence, corporate strategy, or perhaps entrepreneurship within the energy space?

Over the next 5 to 10 years, I want to be at the intersection of corporate strategy and policy influence, working to shape decisions that make energy systems across Africa more sustainable, secure, and inclusive. I see myself contributing to large-scale initiatives that help countries leverage their natural resources in a way that aligns with both economic development and climate goals.

I’m particularly drawn to strategy because that’s where vision meets execution. I want to be involved in designing pathways that help energy companies, governments, and institutions transition in a way that is realistic, data-driven, and context-specific. But I also recognise that policy creates the enabling environment for any strategy to thrive, so I hope to continue contributing to policies that support innovation, investment, and equitable access to energy.

Entrepreneurship is also on the horizon. I’m passionate about market-driven solutions—especially in distributed energy and clean cooking—that can improve energy access at the grassroots level. Whether I’m building something from the ground up or shaping institutional agendas, the constant for me is impact. I want to help redefine what energy leadership looks like in Africa—and do it with integrity, foresight, and a deep understanding of both global trends and local realities.

Finally, for young Nigerians—especially women—hoping to lead in sustainability or energy, what advice would you offer them?

First, believe that your voice and ideas matter. You don’t need to have all the answers on day one—just start where you are and stay curious. The energy and sustainability space is broad and evolving, so take time to explore different areas and find where your strengths and passions intersect.

Second, whatever you’re doing right now—do it well. Don’t wait until you’re handed a big platform or fancy title before giving your best. The experiences you’re gathering now, the diligence you apply in small roles or assignments—they all add up. They shape the leader you’re becoming and prepare you for the opportunities ahead. Everything starts counting from now.

Third, build your knowledge and sharpen your skillset. Technical competence opens doors, but combining it with strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills is what keeps those doors open. Whether you’re in a lab, a policy room, or a boardroom, let your work speak clearly.

Also, don’t be afraid to take up space. Sometimes we wait for permission or reassurance, but leadership starts with showing up fully and consistently. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge and support you, and don’t be discouraged if your path looks different from others.

Finally, stay grounded in your “why.” Energy is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people. Whether you’re solving for access, affordability, or sustainability, never lose sight of the impact your work can have on communities and generations to come.

You belong in the room. So step in and lead with purpose.