The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has emphasized the need to address the growing skills gap in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.
Eyesan made the remarks while receiving representatives of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, at the corporate headquarters of the NUPRC in Abuja.
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She attributed the skills deficit in the sector partly to the decline in exploration activities prior to the current administration, noting that the development had significantly affected professionals, particularly geologists.
According to her, the situation is gradually improving following renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry after the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the implementation of business-friendly policies by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NUPRC chief stated that exploration activities were beginning to gain momentum again, creating opportunities for capacity building and workforce development within the sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Principal for Partnerships at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Donella Beaton, said the institution was keen on strengthening higher education partnerships across Africa.
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She noted that the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration in education, research, and professional development, particularly within the energy sector.