Ziggy Ojiegbe

Africa’s leading gender equity advocate in the energy sector, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), has said the first round of industry conferences in 2026 has set a credible agenda for the year, pledging deeper partnership with the hosts of the events.

The network, which participated actively at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) and the Sub-Saharan Africa Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), restated its commitment to contributing to policy conversations shaping the future of Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy industries.

Executive Secretary of WIEN, Engr Asanimo Omezi

NIES is hosted by Brevity Anderson in Abuja under the auspices of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Energy and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. SAIPEC, held in Lagos, is organized by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).

WIEN formally congratulated Brevity Anderson and PETAN for the successful delivery of NIES 2026 and SAIPEC 2026, pledging to continue advancing credible and enriching perspectives in policy debates that define the conferences.

In a post-event message to the organizers, WIEN said the partnerships have reinforced its role as a strategic contributor to both platforms.

WIEN represents more than 1,000 women-led companies, professionals and associates across Nigeria’s energy sector. The network also counts about 30 corporate members, including major players in petroleum, power and emerging energy segments.

WIEN President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, said the organization remains committed to driving inclusion and upholding high professional standards across the industry. She stressed that WIEN will continue to equip, mobilize and support its members to play active roles in repositioning Nigeria’s energy industry for sustainable growth.

Mrs Fatai-Williams, who participated in an industry leadership panel session at NIES, highlighted collaboration, capacity development and policy advocacy as key tools for mobilizing women professionals and women-led companies across Nigeria’s diversifying energy landscape.

At the 10th SAIPEC in Lagos, she told energy correspondents that WIEN has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening professional development, expanding industry access and positioning women-led enterprises across upstream, midstream, downstream, gas and renewable energy segments.

She noted that the network has established dedicated directorates covering upstream, midstream, downstream, gas, power and renewables, reflecting the full scope of Nigeria’s energy value chain.

On shaping industry narratives, Fatai-Williams said women have maintained visible participation in major conferences over the past five years, not only as attendees but as speakers providing technical and strategic insights.

“We have been speakers at various forums, bringing thought leadership from our areas of expertise,” she said.

She added that national discourse is increasingly focused on achieving a balanced energy mix rather than a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.

“For the sake of the population, we need to bring our quota. We do not want Nigeria to miss out on what we can contribute in terms of the energy mix and Nigeria’s energy journey into the future,” she said.

Mrs Fatai-Williams explained that WIEN’s partnership with Brevity Anderson and PETAN forms part of a broader strategy to boost national, regional and global visibility for its members.

She cited participation in international platforms such as Gastech and the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), where members were able to showcase their businesses collectively.

Young members of WIEN at SAIPEC 2026 in Lagos

“Through the network, members who may not have the resources individually were able to exhibit and present their businesses internationally,” she said. She also pointed at collaborations with the Energy Institute and WeConnect International, which provide additional platforms for exposure.

“We want to be the organization international institutions can approach when they need speakers who bring African perspectives,” she said.

WIEN maintained that the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector will depend on sustained investment in talent development and inclusive leadership.