Advancing Local Content Through Technology in Nigeria's Energy Sector
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to embrace technology as a core element of local content development. This shift is being championed by key players in the sector, with one of the most prominent voices being Olakunle Osobu, Deputy Managing Director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG). At the NOG Energy Week 2025, Osobu emphasized the importance of domesticating technology to empower Nigerian workers and strengthen the country’s energy systems.
The Role of Technology in Modern Energy Systems
Osobu highlighted that technology is not just a tool for efficiency but the foundation of modern energy systems. He stressed that for the industry to thrive, it must be precise, predictive, and forward-looking. However, he also pointed out that simply adopting technology is not enough—there needs to be a focus on simplifying it and making it accessible to all Nigerians.
“True technology development must reflect national ownership,” Osobu said. “No country has advanced by learning technology in someone else’s language. Germans speak German. The Chinese code in Chinese. We must begin to do the same by writing algorithms in our local languages, and building tools that reflect our voice and reality.”
This perspective underscores the need for a shift in how technology is developed and deployed within Nigeria. It calls for a more inclusive approach that ensures people can engage with digital systems in ways that are familiar and meaningful to them.
Policy Alignment and Inclusion
Osobu also discussed the critical role of policy alignment in fostering technological innovation. He argued that unless technology is treated as a national development priority, Nigeria will continue to face challenges in terms of ownership and innovation.
“Domestication must start with inclusion,” he explained. “If people can read and write, they should be able to use technology. That’s where we begin. That’s how we expand access.”
This vision aligns with broader goals of creating an environment where technology is not only available but also relevant to the daily lives of Nigerians. By focusing on inclusion, the sector can ensure that more people have the opportunity to benefit from technological advancements.
A Success Story: Train 7 Project
One of the most compelling examples of NLNG’s commitment to local content is the Train 7 project. Osobu shared insights into how this initiative has been a testament to the company’s ability to develop and implement large-scale projects using local expertise.
“At NLNG, we are at advanced stages in the construction of our Train 7 project, and I can tell you that over 90% of the contractors on that project, starting with the Project Director, are Nigerians,” he said. “Why is that possible? It’s because we successfully built six trains over the lifetime of NLNG and Nigerians worked alongside international counterparts.”
This success story highlights the potential for Nigerian professionals to lead in complex energy projects. Osobu noted that the experience gained from previous projects has enabled the team to deliver Train 7 independently, supported by the National Centre for Energy and Petroleum Development (NCDMB).
Expanding Expertise Beyond Nigeria
Beyond the immediate benefits of local content, Osobu expressed a vision for Nigerian expertise to play a vital role in other African countries that are discovering oil and gas resources. He pointed out that Nigerians are already present on oil rigs around the world and are highly sought after in places like Calgary and Singapore.
“I believe it’s time for that expertise to shape our continent,” he said. “We have Namibia, Senegal, Ghana, Mozambique, Angola and the likes all discovering oil and Nigerians should be the experts helping in those countries. They no longer need to look to the West. We must begin to lead.”
This perspective reflects a broader ambition to position Nigeria as a regional leader in energy and technology, leveraging its human capital to support economic growth across Africa.
Innovations for Technological Identity
In addition to these efforts, Osobu highlighted innovations such as the African keyboard, which enables the use of African languages in digital systems. He sees this as a crucial step toward achieving true technological identity and ensuring that digital tools reflect the realities of local users.
Future Goals and Collaborations
Looking ahead, Osobu emphasized that NLNG remains committed to working with policymakers and partners to ensure that domesticated knowledge becomes the foundation for Nigeria’s future in gas and beyond. The company aims to continue adopting and promoting technology in a way that is rooted in the local context, simple, inclusive, and transformative.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on technology and local content will play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s path to sustainable development and global competitiveness.
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