The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has raised concerns over Nigeria's widening energy workforce and technical skills gap, warning that the country risks losing its place in the evolving energy industry without urgent action.

NNPC's Chief Human Resources Officer, Kazachiyang Nuhu, said the Petroleum Industry Act, the Decade of Gas initiative, increased participation by local operators and the global energy transition are driving demand for skilled technical workers faster than the industry could produce them.

Nuhu spoke on Thursday at the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria Human Capital Development Conference and Expo in Warri, Delta State. He added that artificial intelligence, digitalisation and automation are shortening skill cycles, while investments are increasingly shifting towards liquefied natural gas, cleaner energy sources and low-carbon opportunities. He urged the industry to urgently reskill and reposition its workforce, warning that failure to do so could leave Nigeria as a spectator in its own energy industry.

— CHANNELS