By Patient Chat Moses
The future of energy is being shaped not only in the depths of the earth but also through rapid advancements in digital technology. In Nigeria’s dynamic energy sector, a new generation of engineers is leveraging innovation to redefine efficiency and safety in well operations. The energy industry is experiencing a significant shift, with Young Professionals (YPs) from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International, Abuja Section 199, leading the way with their fresh perspectives and expertise, enhancing the integration of cutting-edge technologies in well activities and transforming how oil and gas operations are carried out.
In late June 2025, young professionals and students from SPE International, Abuja Section 199, gathered for a virtual Ambassador Lecture Program (ALP) under the theme “Enhancing Efficiency in Well Activity Planning and Delivery”. During this event, they discussed how digital technology and innovation optimise operations in the oil and gas industry, with a particular focus on well drilling and intervention activities.
Understanding Well Activities and Technological Enhancements
What exactly are well activities, and how can technology improve them? Abednego I. Wakili of CypherCrescent Limited, the pioneer of this ALP, provided insightful answers. According to Wakili, well activities cover the entire lifecycle of a well, from exploration and drilling to completion, production, and maintenance. He explained that the core of oil and gas industry operations revolves around the exploration and production (E&P) of hydrocarbon resources. These operations focus on identifying viable locations for oil and gas extraction, then efficiently and safely exploiting these resources. Well activity planning and delivery form the backbone of operational and economic success, directly impacting both technical and financial results. It is a systematic process of designing, scheduling, and preparing for drilling and completion activities, including intervention operations.
Historically, well activity planning often relied on disparate spreadsheets, manual data entry, and fragmented communication between teams, which could cause delays and errors. With solutions like SOMA DIAP, this disconnected process is transformed into a smooth, integrated workflow.
The Role of Technology: SOMA DIAP
Focusing on effective and efficient well drilling activities, Wakili highlighted that incorporating technology can notably enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. One such technology is SOMA (Drilling Intervention Activities Planning) DIAP, a tool developed by CypherCrescent Limited.
Valuechain gathered information from the CypherCrescent website that SOMA DIAP offers quick, intuitive scheduling for smooth planning, real-time alerts, milestone tracking, and performance metrics, improved cross-departmental collaboration, and reduced non-productive time, as well as minimised equipment idling. It is designed for visibility, efficiency, and control, providing a strategic advantage in managing complex well operations with precision.
This innovation showcases Nigeria’s progress in reducing the technology gap in oil and gas exploration. With indigenous automation applications like SOMA DIAP, alongside others such as Oliasoft WellDesign, Corva Drilling, and Drillsoft, Nigeria’s drilling activities are set for high levels of automation. In a few years, they could meet international standards established by solutions from Halliburton, Schlumberger’s DrillOps, and Baker Hughes’ i-Trak. This not only positions Nigeria as a leader in technological adoption within the continent but also guarantees increased operational efficiencies, lowered environmental impact, and a more competitive energy sector, attracting further investment and expertise.
Closing Remarks and Event Impact
Abednego Wakili concluded his presentation by thanking Dr. Amina Danmadami, the current Chairperson of SPE Nigeria Council; Ikechukwu Stanley Okafor, SPE Abuja Section 199 Chair, for their dedication in delivering the project; and Chisom Okoye, the YP Chair, for their unwavering support.
The virtual event, moderated by young engineering professional Chinyere Frank, saw aspiring students from prestigious institutions such as ABU Zaria and FUT Minna in attendance. In an interview with Valuechain, Miss Frank shared that the session was highly enriching. She noted that the keynote speaker seamlessly presented and broke down complex concepts, offering the audience — a mix of young professionals and students — a comprehensive walkthrough of well planning activities, project sequencing, delivery workflows, data used in monitoring well operations, and real-life case studies of proprietary digital solutions that enhance efficiency in field operations.
“The session was not only insightful but also empowering, especially for early-career professionals looking to deepen their technical and operational understanding of the energy industry,” Miss Frank added. “I am grateful to SPE Abuja Section 199 and the organising team for the opportunity to moderate such an impactful conversation.”
As Nigeria advances in the global energy transition, these young innovators’ efforts serve as a call for a more efficient and sustainable future. What digital breakthroughs will they inspire next, and how will your organisation adapt to this changing landscape?
