With over 1,000 members and growing corporate backing, Women in Energy Network is positioning women to compete in Nigeria’s licensing rounds, gas expansion, and global energy leadership.
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) have reiterated the importance of capacity development, collaboration, and policy advocacy to position women for greater participation across Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape, as new licensing rounds and investment opportunities emerge in the sector.
Speaking during an engagement with energy correspondents on the sideline of the ongoing 10th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos; executives of WIEN outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening professional development, expanding industry access, and ensuring that women-led enterprises are better positioned to participate in Nigeria’s upstream, midstream, downstream, gas, and renewable energy segments.
Ms Lola Oyenekan, WIEN’s Director of Business Development and Publicity, said women across the energy sector have increasingly organized to support each other’s professional growth and industry participation.
“Women have come together in the energy industry to try and support one another. From the upstream, to the midstream, to the downstream, we have all come together to form a symbiotic relationship in the industry,” she said.
She noted that women have maintained visible participation in major industry conferences over the past five years, not only as attendees but as speakers contributing technical and strategic insights.
“We have been speakers at various forums, bringing to the industry thought leadership from our various areas of expertise,” she added.
Commending the association of energy correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) for amplifying sector voices through the recent publication of the association’s maiden energy journal – launched at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja – Oyenekan stated WIEN’s support for NAEC vowing to ensure the collaboration remains impactful and sustainable.
WIEN President, Eyono Fatayi-Williams emphasized the importance of positioning women within Nigeria’s evolving energy framework, noting that national discourse is increasingly focused on achieving a balanced energy mix rather than a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
“For the sake of the population, we need to also bring our quota. We do not want Nigeria to miss out on what we can bring to the table in terms of the energy mix and Nigeria’s energy journey into the future,” she said.
She highlighted gas as a central component of Nigeria’s strategy.
“Gas is the transition fuel, the destination fuel. Gas is the fuel of today and of the future,” Fatayi-Williams stated.
According to the WIEN President, the organization has established dedicated directorates covering upstream, midstream, downstream, gas, power, and renewables, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s energy value chain.
The Vice President, Gas, WIEN, Mrs Yetunde Odejobi reinforced this position, noting that gas development remains critical for economic growth and energy security.
“Nigeria will continue to prioritize exploration of gas. We will use what we have to get where we need to be,” she said, adding that WIEN is actively supporting initiatives, masterclasses, and collaborations to promote gas utilization and responsible resource development.
The WIEN executives further highlighted mentorship and professional training as central pillars of their strategy to close gender gaps in the energy sector.
Fatayi-Williams said the organization provides structured mentorship programmes, networking platforms, and technical knowledge sessions to strengthen women’s career progression and business capabilities.
“Funding is an issue for women who are in business, so we have a relationship with Nexim Bank. We also have a relationship with KPMG to support our women in areas such as governance, tax advisory, and financial services,” she explained.
She added that WIEN currently has over 30 corporate members, including indigenous operators, international oil companies, and service providers, as well as more than 1,000 individual members.
Bolstering the remarks of Fatayi-Willimas, the Executive Secretary of WIEN, Engr. Asanimo Omezi disclosed the organization has also launched scholarship and youth development initiatives aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline.
“We did a pilot programme called Supernova Girl to encourage young girls to remain in STEM education. We currently have 16 girls in the scholarship fund, and our goal is to support up to 1,000 girls annually,” she said.
She added that WIEN is also supporting young professionals through structured mentorship, internships, and graduate training opportunities.
Industry stakeholders emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue toward measurable structural change.
The Director of Partnerships & Conferences of WIEN, Ms Bassie Adie, incidentally the Managing Director of Loyz Marine, said practical interventions—including leadership training, mentorship, and policy reform—are essential.
“When you continue to advocate for practical pathways to enable women to thrive in the energy sector — and I use the word ‘practical’ very carefully — it means focusing on real actions. Practical involves mentorship, mentoring people, capacity building, leadership training, and, most importantly, advocating for policy changes that ensure structural gaps and barriers are removed for women to thrive.” Adie remarked.
“And I think this leads to the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 theme for this year, which is #GiveToGain. So we’re giving to gain.
“What we want to see change in our industry is moving beyond just talking about things to actually doing things and measuring impact,” she said. “Change happens when you act.”, Adie concluded.
Responding to questions on leadership dynamics and workplace complexity, Fatayi-Williams said professional governance frameworks and ethical standards remain central to effective organizational management.
“Once you are professional and you work based on a professional ethos, it becomes easier to do business. That is what has kept us going,” she said.
With Nigeria launching new licensing rounds and energy projects, WIEN’s executives said they are encouraging women-led companies to collaborate and build the capacity required to participate competitively.
“We are encouraging women to collaborate and take part in the licensing round. You must understand the technical, commercial, and fiscal requirements,” Fatai-Williams said.
She added that policy advocacy remains an important focus area.
“We are pushing for deliberate action to enable women-owned companies to participate. We are not asking for reduced standards, but for capacity building and opportunities that allow women-owned companies to compete effectively,” she explained.
She also noted that women-owned businesses currently account for a small percentage of major industry contracts, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The speakers also outlined initiatives aimed at improving international visibility for members through partnerships and global conference participation.
Fatayi-Williams cited participation in global energy platforms such as Gastech, where WIEN members were able to showcase their businesses collectively.
“Through the network, members who may not have the resources individually were able to exhibit and present their businesses internationally,” she said.
She added that partnerships with the Energy Institute in the United Kingdom, WeConnect International, and other global platforms are providing additional exposure pathways.
“We want to be that organization where international institutions can approach us to recommend speakers who provide African perspectives,” she said.
According to WIEN at the media chat, long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector will depend on sustained investment in talent development and inclusive leadership.
Capacity-building partnerships with organizations such as the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIOD) are helping prepare women for leadership and governance roles.
As Nigeria expands exploration, gas development, and energy diversification initiatives, the Women In Energy Network believe that strengthening inclusion and professional readiness will remain critical to ensuring broader participation and sustainable sector growth.
