By Moses Nosike

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) on Friday, April 10, 2026, inaugurated its newly elected Executive Committee at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, ushering in a new leadership team for the association.

The oath of office was administered by Dr. Trevor Ajayi, a member of the PETAN Board of Trustees, in the presence of Mr. Shawley Coker, also a member of the Board of Trustees representing the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Those sworn in were Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman; Obi Uzu, Vice Chairman; Wale Adelaja, Assistant Secretary; Eloka Ejeh, Secretary; Bolaji Ososami, Financial Secretary; Okezie Akiwiwu, Treasurer; Okey Ukaegbu, Conference Chairman; Joan Faluyi, Publicity Secretary; and Ibilola Amao, Ex-Officio.

The Board of Trustees acknowledged the leadership of Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, who served as PETAN Chairman over the past two years, commending his contributions and expressing confidence in the direction of the association in the years ahead. Speaking after his swearing-in, Engr. Ogunsanya outlined the progress made during his tenure to an enthusiastic reception from members in attendance.

“Our participation at OTC has always been a statement of intent — despite global uncertainty, PETAN continues to show up in full strength because we believe Nigeria’s indigenous oil and gas companies must remain visible on the world stage. This year’s OTC in May will be no different. SAIPEC was equally remarkable, with participation from other African countries, proving that the conference is becoming a truly continental platform,” said Engr. Ogunsanya.

He added: “SAIPEC has grown beyond a Nigerian event. This year, we welcomed delegates from across Africa, and that is a testament to the relevance of what PETAN is building. We are not just advocating for local content in Nigeria — we are leading the conversation across the continent.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Coker charged the newly inaugurated executives to serve selflessly and remain committed to advancing Nigeria’s local content agenda. He urged them to be symbols of advocacy, promote genuine indigenous capacity, and rid the industry of briefcase companies. He also called on the new leadership to be a voice for the voiceless, think beyond individual interests, and champion the collective growth of the industry. Mr. Coker further stressed the need for greater indigenous participation under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, urging Nigerian oil and gas companies to continue opening doors and pulling their weight in the sector.

The ceremony marked a formal transition in leadership at PETAN, the umbrella body representing indigenous oil and gas service companies in Nigeria. With the new Executive Committee now in place, the association is expected to build on these achievements and continue its advocacy for capacity development, local content, and indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

There is one issue I would correct before you publish: the paragraph says the Board acknowledged Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, who served as PETAN Chairman over the past two years, while he is also being presented as newly sworn in. That creates a slight contradiction. A cleaner version would say the Board acknowledged his leadership and contributions to PETAN over the past two years rather than implying he is both outgoing and incoming in the same sentence.