The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have committed to working together to increase women’s participation in the country’s oil, gas, and mining industries. This collaboration comes in response to growing concerns over the underrepresentation of women in these sectors, particularly in leadership and technical roles.
The agreement to enhance gender inclusivity was reached during a recent meeting between Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, and Dr. Felix Ogbe, his counterpart at NCDMB. The discussions took place on the sidelines of an international event in London, where both leaders expressed their dedication to improving gender equality in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Dr. Orji shared his concern about the declining percentage of women in the industry, referencing data from NEITI’s recent reports on the oil and gas sector. According to the figures, the situation remains troubling. In 2022, the industry employed 6,728 people, of whom just 1,144, or 17 percent, were women. The following year saw an increase in the total number of employees to 8,694, with 1,391 women making up the workforce. However, despite the growth in overall employment, the percentage of women dropped to 16 percent in 2023, signaling a continuing gender imbalance that has proven difficult to overcome.
“When I reviewed the data in the recently released 2022 and 2023 oil and gas industry reports, it was concerning to see the downward trend in women’s representation. In 2022, out of 6,728 employees in the oil and gas industry, only 1,144, or 17 percent, were women. In 2023, the total number of employees increased to 8,694 while women accounted for 1,391. Although there seems to be an increased number of women employed in 2023, the percentage of women employed, compared to the total number of employees in the sector declined to 16 percent. This trend underscores a persistent and gradual gender imbalance in Nigeria’s extractive industries,” the NEITI executive secretary said.
The figures highlighted by Dr. Orji underscore a significant challenge facing the oil, gas, and mining industries in Nigeria. While the total number of women employed has risen in absolute terms, their share of the workforce has continued to shrink, suggesting that the growth of the industry is not benefiting women in the way it should.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Ogbe expressed his eagerness to collaborate with NEITI to address the gender imbalance. He outlined NCDMB’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, including a new initiative aimed at supporting women’s participation in the oil and gas industry.
One of the key initiatives announced by Dr. Ogbe is the launch of a $40 million Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund. This fund, developed in partnership with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), is designed to provide financial support and resources to women-owned businesses and professionals in the oil and gas sector. The fund is expected to help address some of the barriers women face in accessing opportunities and funding within the traditionally male-dominated industry.
Dr. Ogbe noted that the establishment of this fund is a major step towards creating a more inclusive environment in Nigeria’s extractive industries. The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs, provide skills development, and increase access to business and technical opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
“By creating an enabling environment for women to thrive in the oil and gas industry, we hope to not only increase their participation but also encourage the next generation of women leaders in the sector,” said Dr. Ogbe during the meeting.
The collaboration between NEITI and NCDMB marks a significant step forward in efforts to improve gender equality in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Both organizations share a common goal of ensuring that women are better represented and have equal access to opportunities in a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men.
In addition to the $40 million fund, Dr. Ogbe emphasized the importance of creating mentorship programs and networking opportunities to support women in their careers. NCDMB is also exploring other initiatives aimed at promoting female leadership and technical expertise within the industry. These efforts, combined with NEITI’s work on transparency and accountability, are expected to create a more balanced and fair industry that offers equal opportunities to all.
The commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in the extractive industries comes at a critical time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy and create more sustainable job opportunities. By actively addressing the gender gap, NEITI and NCDMB hope to drive long-term growth and innovation in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, while ensuring that women play an equal role in shaping the future of the industry.