By Innocent Anaba

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, and Chevron Nigeria Ltd. have pledged to strengthen collaboration to promote engineering innovation, professional development and local engineering capacity.

The NSE President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the society to Chevron in Lagos.

More than 200 NSE members and Chevron staff participated in the interactive session virtually. The event also featured technical paper presentations and awards.

Rabiu said stronger collaboration between professional engineering institutions and the private sector was critical to addressing Nigeria’s industrial and technological challenges.

He said the NSE was strengthening professional development, stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships to enhance engineers’ contributions to national development.

The NSE president expressed support for the proposed establishment of a branch of the society at Chevron, adding that the proposal would be considered early in 2027.

He also invited Chevron engineers to participate in the society’s national conference scheduled for November 30 to December 4.

According to him, the conference will examine how engineering innovation can support national security, economic recovery, industrial development and resilience.

Speaking, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Mr Jim Swartz, said digital technologies were transforming operations in the oil and gas industry.

He said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics could improve operational safety, equipment reliability, project delivery and cost efficiency.

Swartz added that drones were increasingly being deployed for inspections and hazardous tasks, reducing workers’ exposure to dangerous environments.

He, however, cautioned that technology alone could not transform the industry without competent engineers, sound professional judgement and strong professional standards.

He stressed the need for collaboration among industry professionals, institutions, academia and government to strengthen local engineering capacity and support Nigeria’s energy security.

Such collaboration, he said, would also create opportunities for young engineers to develop their skills and contribute to the industry.

Chevron’s Director of Operations, Engr. Segun Kuteyi, highlighted the expectations surrounding the proposed NSE branch and the role of engineering innovation in improving workplace safety and productivity.

He also underscored the contribution of engineering and technological innovations to workplace and environmental safety.

Similarly, Chevron’s General Manager, Integrated Operations, Michelle Obatoyinbo, urged engineers to embrace digital innovation to improve project execution, enhance safety and reduce operational costs.

Delivering a keynote presentation at the hybrid meeting, Obatoyinbo said technologies such as AI, digital twins, data analytics and connected devices could enable engineers to make faster, safer and more reliable decisions.

She said digital tools could improve project design, reduce rework, shorten delivery timelines and enhance equipment reliability through predictive maintenance and risk-based inspections.

Obatoyinbo stressed that technology adoption must be guided by sound engineering judgement, safety standards and effective cybersecurity measures.

She urged engineers to identify critical operational challenges, test digital solutions through pilot projects and scale up their use when their value, safety and reliability had been established.

According to her, digital innovation should focus on improving engineering decisions rather than merely digitising existing processes.

A Fellow of the NSE, Engr. Kingsley Okonkwo, said the proposed branch at Chevron would provide a platform for engineers and the company’s business partners to exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions.

He said the initiative would connect engineers across different disciplines, promote mentorship and encourage the sharing of technical expertise.

Okonkwo added that experienced engineers would have opportunities to mentor younger professionals within and outside Chevron.

He said efforts were underway to validate membership records, establish an effective organisational structure and encourage active participation ahead of the proposed launch in 2027.

The objective, he said, was to establish a functional and sustainable branch capable of delivering lasting value to engineers and the industry.

The engagement, according to him, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the NSE and Chevron to promote engineering excellence and technological advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Other speakers called for sustained collaboration among professional engineering bodies, industry, academia and government to strengthen local capacity and enhance Nigeria’s energy security and competitiveness.