PENGASSAN Women Call for Leadership Roles in Nigeria’s Energy Sector
Douglas Ahiaba – Abuja
Women in the petroleum and gas sector of Nigeria have been urged to aspire to leadership roles to enable them contribute and form part of the decision-making body in the sector.
This call was made during the second edition of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Annual Convention, held in Abuja on June 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
The convention, themed “The Dynamic Woman, She Powers The Future: Driving Industry Transformation, Innovation and Leadership,” aimed to promote the role of women in the energy sector and encourage them to take on leadership positions.
The National Chairperson of PENGASSAN Women Commission, Comrade Engineer Maryann Ada Mbanaso, emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to the energy sector. She revealed that the association has launched an initiative called Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to prepare the next generation of girls for careers in the energy sector.
Sarah Onuwamagbe Ajose-Adeogun, speaking on the topic “Leading the Charge: Women Powering the Energy Revolution,” lamented that cultural and religious barriers have greatly affected women’s assertiveness in the sector. She also noted that natural barriers like pregnancy and nurturing babies limit women’s roles in the sector.
Ajose-Adeogun called for more friendly government policies to lessen the burdens women bear, and advised husbands to be supportive and understanding. She emphasized the need for women to contribute and drive transformation, innovation, and leadership in the energy sector.
The President General of TUC and President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, applauded the women group for their contributions to the sector and expressed optimism that they possess the potential to drive transformation and innovation. He acknowledged the importance of women’s leadership in the energy sector and encouraged them to take on more prominent roles.
