The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Chevron Nigeria Ltd. have expressed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote engineering innovation, professional development and local engineering capacity.
The NSE President, Mr Ali Rabiu, said this during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the society members to Chevron in Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 200 NSE members and Chevron staff participated virtually in the interactive session, which featured paper presentations and awards.
According to Rabiu, the collaboration between professional engineering institutions and the private sector is essential to addressing Nigeria’s industrial and technological challenges.
He said the society was strengthening professional development, stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships to enhance engineers’ contributions to national development.
Rabiu expressed support for the proposed establishment of an NSE branch at Chevron, saying the society would consider the proposal early in 2027.
He also invited Chevron engineers to participate in the society’s national conference scheduled to be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4.
He said the conference would examine how engineering innovation could contribute to security, economic recovery, industrial development and national resilience.
Mr Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Ltd., said that digital technologies could improve operational safety, equipment reliability, project delivery, cost efficiency and emissions reduction in the oil and gas industry.
Swartz said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and data analytics were helping engineers make better decisions and improve operational performance.
He added that drones were used for inspections and other hazardous tasks to reduce workers’ exposure to dangerous environments.
Swartz, however, stressed that technology alone could not transform the industry without competent engineers, sound professional judgement and strong professional standards.
He said collaboration among industry professionals, institutions, academia and government was essential to strengthening local engineering capacity, supporting Nigeria’s energy security and creating opportunities for young engineers.
Mr Segun Kuteyi, Chevron’s Director of Operations highlighted expectations of the proposed NSE branch and the importance of engineering innovation in improving workplace safety and productivity.
He also emphasised how engineering and technological innovations were boosting workplace and environmental safety.
Michelle Obatoyinbo, Chevron’s General Manager, Integrated Operations, also urged engineers to leverage digital innovation to improve project execution, enhance safety and reduce costs.
Obatoyinbo, who delivered a keynote presentation at the hybrid meeting, said technologies such as AI, digital twins, data analytics and connected devices could help engineers make faster, safer and more reliable decisions.
She said digital tools could improve project design, reduce rework, shorten project 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 expand their use when their value, safety and reliability had been established.
She said that digital innovation should focus on improving engineering decisions rather than merely digitising existing processes.
Mr Godson Ajaero, an NSE fellow, said the proposed NSE branch at Chevron would provide a platform for the company’s engineers and its business partners to share knowledge, develop innovative solutions and contribute to policy discussions.
Ajaero said the initiative would connect engineers across different disciplines, promote mentorship and encourage the exchange of technical expertise.
He added that experienced engineers would have opportunities to mentor younger professionals within and outside Chevron.
According to him, efforts are underway to validate membership records, establish an effective organisational structure and encourage active participation ahead of the proposed launch in 2027.
Ajaero said the objective was to establish a functional and sustainable branch capable of delivering lasting value to engineers and the industry.
“The engagement is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the NSE and Chevron to promote engineering excellence and technological advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector,” he added.
Other speakers called for sustained collaboration among professional engineering bodies, industry, academia and government to strengthen local capacity and support Nigeria’s energy security and competitiveness.
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