By Edoamaowo Udeme
The Petroleum Training institute yesterday in Abuja hosted its 3rd biennial International Congress of History of Science and Technology, ( ICHST) conference, with the theme; “The Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Development,”
In his opening remarks, the Principal and Chief Executive of the institute, Dr Henry A. Adimula
said that the chosen theme couldn’t be more apt as ”it embodies the essence of our purpose here – to explore, dissect, and contribute to a future teeming with possibilities. This future is not a distant horizon; it’s a realm of opportunities that we must collectively mold”
He stressed that energy democratization stands as a paramount concept and entails the democratization of energy resources and technology, ensuring that clean and sustainable energy sources are accessible to all, regardless of their location or economic status”.
“PTI’s development of economic models for gas investment spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, as well as their creation of the Modified Unit Technical Cost Model for oil and gas investment, ensures precise determination of the cost to produce a standard cubic foot of gas”. He noted
He added that “PTI’s collaborative research with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Research and Development Division (NNPC RTI) has resulted in steps towards efficient storage system for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Powered Tricycles. This pioneering initiative marks a substantial stride towards sustainable energy solutions and cleaner transportation methods”
In his remark, the executive secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (ptdf), Mr Ahmed Galadima Aminu, stated that the oil and gas sector, especially in Nigeria, is at an intersection of complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities as the industry grapples with a myriad of issues, from technological hurdles, research limitations, and the dwindling landscape of investments and finance.
“There is an observable decline in the discovery of new oil and gas reserves, which further underscores emphasis the importance of bolstering our research funding and technological development. Our path towards achieving net zero emissions by 2060 is fraught with financial obstacles, notably in the energy transition and capacity-building programs”.
He noted that in the midst of these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. “The imminent commencement of the Dangote oil refinery, the completion of pivotal pipeline infrastructure like the AKK, and the production initiatives at the Komani oil field in Northern Nigeria, present a hopeful panorama of opportunities that can reinvigorate the industry”.
He added that The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), as a pivotal capacity-building arm of the Federal Government, is committed to driving the change, primarily through our established Human Capacity programs. “Our Scholarship Programme, both Overseas and In-Country schemes, aims to empower young Nigerians with education in relevant oil and gas fields as well as renewable energy disciplines”.
“The PTDF has also pioneered the establishment of two paramount centers of excellence: The College of Petroleum and Energy Studies (CPESK) in Kaduna, and the Centre for Skills Development and Training (CSDT) in Port-Harcourt”. He noted.
Mrs Folashade C. Adekeye Director, NNPC Academy on her part said with the passage of the PIA and the need to prepare the workforce in the energy sector, stakeholders, and the public on emerging trends, NNPC Academy is poised to play a leading role in human capacity development.
“Our partnership and collaboration with PTI through ICHST will spur innovation and expansion in the energy sector. It will focus on the most recent trends, techniques and legislations influencing the future of the energy sector. It will highlight how the energy sector may transition to a more sustainable energy mix, while balancing environmental and social concerns in the context of the fast-evolving energy landscape”.
. “NNPC Academy is committed to partnering and supporting initiatives that advances the growth of the industry in the post PIA dispensation”. Wishing you all a successful conference.
Other guests present were Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil) and
Member of the APPO Ministerial Council, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas)
