In Nigeria’s fast-evolving energy landscape, the conversation around sustainability, talent development, and inclusive growth is becoming more urgent than ever. At the heart of this movement is Fortune Toma, a passionate young lawyer and Chair of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) on Energy and Sustainability. With a sharp focus on capacity building and youth empowerment, Toma is leading initiatives that aim to bridge the gap between policy, professional practice, and opportunity for the next generation of legal and energy professionals.
In this exclusive interview with Valuechain’s Danlami Nasir Isah, he shares insights into the Forum’s mission, the challenges facing young professionals in the sector, and the concrete steps industry stakeholders must take to create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Excerpts:
Could you please begin by introducing yourself and tell us briefly what you do?
My name is Fortune Toma. I’m a lawyer operating in the oil and gas and broader energy space. Currently, I have the privilege of chairing the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF) on Energy and Sustainability.
Our committee has four working groups focusing on oil and gas, power and renewables, mining, and environment, climate, and sustainability. At the core, our mission is to build capacity and prepare young legal professionals for leadership in the energy sector.
Bridging the Talent Gap: The Mission of the NBA-YLF
One of the main drivers for us is the pressing need to build a robust talent pipeline. The industry is at risk of stagnation if we don’t prepare a new generation to take over. We often see the same senior professionals recycled through various roles—competent individuals, yes—but this model doesn’t democratize access to opportunities for younger professionals.
We’re in a country where universities graduate thousands every year, yet only a handful get absorbed. For example, when Seplat Energy announced they had employed 50 people, we recognized that while that’s helpful, it’s a drop in the ocean.
That’s why we at the NBA-YLF are championing capacity development initiatives, professional training, and creating a resource pool to prepare young professionals to step up.
The Sustainable Energy Propositions (SEPs)
We’ve developed what we call the Sustainable Energy Propositions (SEPs)—17 advocacy points inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SEPs reflect the aspirations of young professionals across the sector.
Some key areas include:
• Youth Participation in Policy Development
We’ve taken this conversation directly to regulators like the NMDPRA. It’s not enough to develop policies for the youth without involving them in the process.
• Sustainable Local Content
Our local content policy must evolve to support youth-led consultancies and startups. If young professionals aren’t empowered today, how can they be expected to lead the industry tomorrow?
Through these SEPs, we’re actively calling for partnerships with international oil companies, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and even the media. We want to collaboratively grow a pipeline of capable, young talent that will sustainably serve the energy sector.
On Youth, Perception, and Performance
Some argue that opportunities have been given to young people in the past, but they haven’t always delivered. What’s your response?
That’s a fair point, but we must be careful not to generalize based on isolated cases. Across all sectors today, young Nigerians are making giant strides—especially in energy and sustainability. The innovation we’re seeing in technology and operations is often driven by young people.
Even within Shell, Seplat, and various regulatory agencies, it’s the youth powering the systems. What we’re asking for isn’t unchecked independence, but guided inclusion. Let young professionals be mentored and supervised as they grow into leadership roles.
As the Chief Operating Officer of Seplat once said, it’s one thing to do business and make money, and another to impact the lives of those coming behind you. That’s the kind of leadership and investment we’re advocating for.
Collaboration is Key
We’re not saying companies aren’t doing anything. In fact, many are investing in training—sending candidates abroad, offering graduate trainee programmes, etc. But there’s room for more investment.
It’s not just about hiring; it’s about:
• Empowering youth-led businesses
• Supporting young law firms involved in multimillion-dollar transactions
• Creating mentorship and internship opportunities
• Hosting webinars and industry sessions
For instance, we recently hosted a webinar on the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry—sessions like that are crucial. And we urge organisations not to wait for us to reach out. Be proactive. Say, “We want to train 50 young lawyers in energy law.” Reach out to us. Let’s build this talent base together.
The Reality of Entry-Level Professionals
There’s also the concern of remuneration and the “Japa syndrome”. What’s your take on that?
Honestly, entry-level salaries can be discouraging. Earning N200,000 to N400,000 monthly sounds decent until you factor in the cost of living—especially in cities like Abuja. Housing alone can take up more than half of your income.
But it’s not just about pay. Young professionals also want:
• Clear growth projections
• Career development plans
• Opportunities for international exposure
If organisations offer competitive remuneration and show a clear path for growth, retention improves. No one wants to leave a fulfilling job unless they’re forced to. That’s why we advocate for creating a large pool of well-trained talent—so when some leave, others are ready to step in.
Final Words: Let’s Build Together
In summary, the energy sector has immense potential—and young professionals are eager to play their part. But we can’t do it alone. We call on all stakeholders—corporations, regulators, professional bodies—to invest in building capacity.
This isn’t about charity; it’s about ensuring the sustainability of the industry itself. Let’s collaborate. Let’s build the next generation of energy leaders—today.