In a world where oil wells are increasingly guided by data and energy systems are being redefined by technology, Nigeria is preparing to write a new chapter for its petroleum industry.
Behind conference room doors, two critical institutions, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Research, Technology and Innovation Unit of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, have begun discussions that could reshape how technology drives the nation’s energy future.
Their recent engagement centred on one clear ambition: using digital innovation to modernise Nigeria’s energy sector and unlock new efficiencies across the value chain.
For decades, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has powered the economy, but like many traditional sectors globally, it now faces growing pressure to become smarter, faster, cleaner and more competitive. From artificial intelligence and data analytics to automation, cybersecurity and smart infrastructure, emerging technologies are redefining how energy is produced, distributed and managed.
Recognising this shift, NITDA and NNPC (through the RTI) innovation team are exploring a strategic partnership designed to bring those tools into Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
Speaking during the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, the DG of NITDA, stressed the need for NNPC to move away from a traditional dependence on the “exploitation” of oil and gas resources and adopt a more innovative approach centred on the “exploration” of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.
Inuwa said information technology has become a critical enabler across sectors, noting that innovation will play a major role in shaping the future of energy production, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria.
He outlined NITDA’s strategic priorities, which include promoting digital literacy, nurturing local talent, strengthening research ecosystems, and advancing indigenous technology solutions.
According to him, reducing reliance on foreign technologies while encouraging homegrown innovation is essential to achieving digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.
The NITDA boss also disclosed that the Agency would be supporting NNPC in building a stronger innovation channel that could link the company with Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
He said startups would be encouraged, through incubation programmes and innovation challenges, to develop practical solutions tailored to the oil and gas industry.
The engagement further highlighted NITDA’s initiatives aimed at fostering innovation among young Nigerians, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, many of whom are already developing solutions to real-world challenges through the Agency’s programmes.
Earlier, Olatomiwa Olaniyi, the director of NNPC RTI, said the visit was aimed at co-creating solutions and building a formidable partnership framework to accelerate innovation across the energy value chain.
Mr. Olaniyi emphasised that collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and the technological ecosystem is critical to achieving sustainable innovation.
Presenting the mandate of the RTI Unit, he said its focus is on driving excellence through innovation to improve operational efficiency, boost revenue generation, and support sustainable growth across NNPC’s business areas, including upstream, gas, power, and new energy.
He added that the unit operates a structured innovation framework built around strengthening research capabilities, developing prototypes, fostering strategic partnerships, attracting talent, and promoting a culture of continuous innovation.
Both organisations underscored the importance of enabling policies and regulatory frameworks in driving innovation.
Inuwa noted that effective implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act would be key to supporting emerging technology ventures and scaling ideas into commercially viable solutions.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the role of technology and innovation as drivers of efficiency, diversification, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
