By Ayo Onikoyi

A leading expert in the oil and gas industry, Enobong Hanson, has shared his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the field, emphasising the importance of resilience, commitment to excellence, and visionary leadership.

“My journey is deeply rooted in the values instilled in me from a young age,” Hanson notes. “

Growing up as the fourth of six children and the first of two boys in my family, I always felt the responsibility to excel and set an example for my siblings.”

He developed a strong affinity for mathematics, which led him to represent his school in several competitions.

 “I excelled in these, winning a state award twice. These early achievements not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for problem-solving and analytical thinking—skills that have been crucial throughout my engineering career.”

“The dream of every young Nigerian engineer is to work in the oil and gas industry,” Hanson says.

“It is the mainstay of our economy and undoubtedly the most financially rewarding industry in the country.”

He began his career with Exxon Mobil during his internship in 2009.

“This was a turning point in my career. The internship allowed me to see the inner workings of the energy sector and understand the complexity and scale of operations involved.”

Hanson pursued a Master of Science in Petroleum Production Engineering at Robert Gordon University to deepen his technical knowledge and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

 “My quest for continuous learning led me to pursue this degree, which has been instrumental in my career growth.”

He plans to pursue an MBA in United States of America (USA) to further hone his skills in finance, commercial strategy, and business leadership.

“My long-term goal is to continue advancing in leadership roles where I can leverage my expertise in production operations, technology, and sustainability to drive meaningful change in the energy sector.”

At Shell, Hanson leads a team of 180 operations and maintenance personnel. “I have consistently shown myself to be a top performer among my peers, both within Shell and across the industry.”

He emphasised the importance of leadership and teamwork. “My approach to leadership is grounded in clear communication, setting achievable goals, and empowering team members.

My experience in managing multidisciplinary teams has been key to achieving our strategic goals.”

Hanson’s technical and analytical skills have been central to driving operational improvements and strategic decision-making.

“I am proficient in various advanced tools, including SAP, Power BI, Tableau, and Python. These tools have not only enhanced my ability to lead data-driven initiatives but have also positioned me as a go-to expert within the organization for optimizing processes and driving continuous improvement.”

He is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. “I have actively sought opportunities to integrate sustainable practices into our operations, recognizing that the future of the energy industry depends on our ability to reduce environmental impact.” Hanson emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions and technology in driving sustainability.

“I am particularly passionate about the role that technology and innovation play in driving sustainability.”

Hanson’s performance has been recognized through various awards, including the Shell Performance Share Plan award in 2020 and 2021.

 “Receiving these accolades not only affirms my commitment to excellence but also highlights the tangible results I have delivered throughout my career.”

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Nigeria Society of Engineers.

 “These memberships have provided me with numerous opportunities for continuous learning and networking.”

“I plan to continue advancing in roles where I can leverage my expertise to drive meaningful change in the energy sector,” Hanson concludes.

 “My journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the oil and gas industry is a testament to my resilience, commitment to excellence, and visionary leadership.”