An energy expert, Wumi Iledare, says Nigeria’s oil and gas sector faces a critical turning point, urging a shift from leadership debates to measurable impact and sustained value.

Mr Iledare, a professor emeritus of petroleum economics at Louisiana State University, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos.

He spoke following President Bola Tinubu’s Thursday appointment of Shu’aibu Aliyu as executive secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), replacing Ahmed Aminu, who resigned.

Mr Aminu stepped down to pursue the 2027 governorship race in Adamawa, creating room for new leadership at the strategic energy development institution.

On PTDF’s future, Mr Iledare said leadership changes were important, but repositioning the agency to deliver measurable national outcomes must remain the overriding priority.

He said institutions like PTDF must evolve continuously to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global energy landscape marked by uncertainty and pressure of transition.

Mr Iledare acknowledged PTDF’s longstanding contribution to human capacity development, noting its pivotal role in training skilled professionals for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

He said the fund had supported scholarships, research and technical training programmes that strengthened local expertise and reduced dependence on foreign manpower over time.

However, he warned that evolving global energy dynamics now demand a deliberate shift from capacity building towards generating tangible economic and industrial value.

“The key question is no longer how many people are trained, but how much value each trained professional brings to the sector,” Mr Iledare stated.

He explained that counting graduates alone no longer reflects success, as the industry increasingly requires innovation, productivity and measurable contributions from trained personnel.

He outlined a clear pathway for reform, calling for training programmes that align more closely with current and emerging needs of the energy industry.

Mr Iledare said curricula should be regularly updated to reflect technological advancements, energy transition realities and shifting global demand patterns within the sector.

He said a demand-driven approach would ensure acquired skills translate into employment opportunities, increased productivity and broader economic impact across the energy value chain.

The expert also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between PTDF and industry operators, including oil companies, service firms and regulatory bodies.

Such partnerships, he noted, were essential for bridging the gap between classroom training and practical, real-world application in complex operational environments.

He said industry input should shape training priorities, ensuring graduates possess competencies that match immediate workforce demands and long-term sectoral needs.

In redefining success, Mr Iledare urged stakeholders to move beyond input-based metrics and focus instead on outcomes such as job creation and economic contribution.

He said success should be measured by how trained professionals enhance local capacity, drive innovation and contribute to national development goals within the energy sector.

He described this shift as a natural progression, drawing parallels with Nigeria’s local content policy, which has matured significantly over the years.

According to him, the policy has evolved from simply promoting participation of Nigerians to emphasising value creation and in-country economic retention.

“Human capital development must follow the same path,” he noted, adding that leadership should ultimately be assessed by results rather than intentions or promises.

He emphasised that effective leadership within PTDF must prioritise accountability, performance tracking and transparent evaluation of programmes and investments.

As PTDF enters a new phase, Mr Iledare expressed optimism that the agency would redefine its strategic role in Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

He said the fund must ensure that every investment in training and capacity development delivers meaningful, measurable returns to the national economy.

Mr Iledare added that aligning PTDF’s mandate with broader energy transition goals would further strengthen its relevance in a decarbonising global economy.

He also extended his congratulations to the newly appointed executive secretary, Mr Aliyu, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead reforms.

He commended Mr Aminu for nearly three decades of dedicated service to the fund, noting his contributions to institutional growth and continuity.

“The message is clear: PTDF’s future lies not just in training more people, but in creating lasting value that drives Nigeria’s energy sector forward,” he added.

(NAN)