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“Technical Excellence and Inclusivity will Define Nigeria’s Energy Future” ― Engineer Amina Danmadami

In this enlightening conversation, we have the honour of speaking with Engineer Amina Danmadami, the trailblazing first female Council Chair of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria. As a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in petroleum and chemical process engineering, she has made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector. Her achievements as a senior manager at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and her academic pursuits, including a PhD in Chemical Process and Energy Engineering, underscore her profound influence on the industry. Engineer Danmadami, in this interview with Valuechain’s William Emmanuel Ukpoju, shares her inspiring journey from a curious student fascinated by chemical experiments to becoming a respected leader championing diversity, innovation, and sustainability in the energy landscape. Join us as we explore her leadership vision, the critical challenges facing the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and the strategic role of SPE Nigeria in fostering technical excellence and inclusivity for future generations of engineers.

EXCERPTS:
Congratulations on your appointment as SPE Chair! Can you share your thoughts on this achievement and what it means to you?
Thank you very much! Alhamdulillah, it is truly an honour to serve as the Council Chair of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council. This appointment is both a privilege and a significant responsibility, as SPE plays an important role in advancing technical knowledge, professional development, and industry collaboration within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. For me, this achievement represents a culmination of years of dedication, service, and commitment to the engineering profession and the energy industry. It is also a testament to the collective efforts of past leaders, mentors, and colleagues who have shaped SPE Nigeria into a vibrant and impactful organisation.
Kindly tell us about yourself and your educational background, and how it prepared you for a career in petroleum engineering.
Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Amina Danmadami, and I currently serve as the Council Chair of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council. I am also the Nigeria Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) Auditor and a Senior Manager at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
I hold a Bachelor’s degree (BEng) in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Master’s degree (MSc) in Oil and Gas Engineering from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, a second Master’s degree (MSc) in Petroleum Economics from the University of Port Harcourt and a PhD in Chemical Process and Energy Engineering from Robert Gordon University. My educational background in chemical engineering and oil and gas engineering has provided a strong foundation in engineering principles, process optimisation, and regulatory frameworks, all of which are crucial to Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Through my research on marginal field investment appraisal, I gained insights into the economic, technical, and regulatory factors shaping the sector. My experience in leading technical input into regulatory functions, including guideline reviews, helped shape more strategic oversight of the industry. I also played a key role in ensuring an industry-wide understanding of licenses, permits, and general operations, which fostered more strategic collaboration in the midstream and downstream sectors. These experiences, grounded in both my academic training and professional expertise, have equipped me to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and contribute meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s petroleum industry while mentoring future engineers.

What inspired you to pursue a career in petroleum engineering, and who were some of your role models?
I would say I am an accidental engineer! My journey into engineering was largely influenced by a classmate in SGRS who encouraged me to study Chemical Engineering. Coincidentally, we always walked past the Chemical Engineering Department daily on our way to class, and I was fascinated by the sight of students in lab coats conducting experiments. That curiosity, combined with my love for mathematics and problem-solving, made engineering an easy choice. A fun fact about me — I enjoy working with numbers so much that when I’m bored or travelling in a car, I mentally break down plate numbers to their lowest factors, just for fun! When it comes to role models, my inspirations go beyond the oil and gas industry. I deeply admire strong women who have shattered glass ceilings, such as Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Amina Mohammed (UN Deputy Secretary-General), and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Their leadership, resilience, and ability to drive transformational change in their respective fields have been a huge source of motivation for me in my own career journey.

Let’s Look at Leadership and Vision:
What are your goals and objectives as the first female Council Chair of SPE Nigeria?

I am deeply honoured to serve as the first female Council Chair of SPE Nigeria. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the progress and inclusivity within our industry. As the Chair, my primary goals are centred around strengthening technical excellence and professional development, which I plan to achieve by expanding training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for engineers at all career stages. I am committed to enhancing collaboration across SPE Nigeria’s five sections—Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, Benin, and Abuja—ensuring that all activities are aligned with our core values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, diversity, and social responsibility. In addition, I aim to promote sustainability and innovation within the sector by driving discussions on energy transition, digital transformation, and the regulatory developments shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. A key focus of mine will be to create an inclusive and supportive community, inspiring more women and young professionals to take on leadership roles, not just within SPE but throughout the broader energy sector.

How do you plan to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organisation?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals but necessary drivers of industry progress. To encourage diversity and inclusion, this year’s Women Leadership Series will be more impactful as we partner with other women-focused organisations, such as Women in Energy Network, to expand our reach and bring more women into the industry. By fostering these collaborations, we aim to create more opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and industry engagement for women in oil and gas.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that this year’s SPE Nigeria Student Conference will be held at Bayero University Kano (BUK). This is a collaborative effort with the SPE Africa Regional Director, making it a Pan-African event. Hosting the conference in Kano will serve as a strategic initiative to engage more students and young professionals from the northern region. Historically, we have observed lower membership numbers from the region. This also provides a unique opportunity to connect with oil and gas operators in the area, expanding SPE’s influence and potentially attracting sponsorships. By bringing the event closer to them, we believe they will become more attuned to our activities and more inclined to participate in future programs, exhibitions, and initiatives.
We are thrilled to welcome SPE student chapters from Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia, fostering a wider network of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and cross-border opportunities for young professionals in the energy sector. Through these initiatives, we are committed to strengthening diversity, increasing student engagement, and expanding SPE’s footprint across Nigeria and Africa.

What initiatives will you implement to support the professional development of SPE members in Nigeria?
Professional development lies at the heart of SPE’s mission, and I am committed to enhancing the technical and leadership capabilities of our members. To achieve this, I will focus on expanding training and certification programs to ensure that professionals stay updated on evolving industry trends, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies. Additionally, I plan to introduce mentorship and career guidance programs that will connect experienced industry leaders with young professionals and students, promoting knowledge transfer and skill development. Increased collaboration between industry and academia will also be a priority, ensuring that students acquire practical knowledge aligned with the needs of the oil and gas sector. Furthermore, I am dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in areas such as energy transition and local content development, empowering SPE members to drive change within Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape. Volunteering remains a cornerstone of SPE, and I will continue to recognise and encourage our dedicated volunteers whose contributions are crucial to our success. By sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and building an inclusive community, we can shape a future where Nigerian petroleum engineers lead with technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Let’s Talk About Industry Insights:
What are the biggest challenges facing the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, and how can SPE Nigeria address them?

The biggest challenges currently facing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry extend beyond exploration and production. They include several above-ground risks that significantly impact profitability and long-term sustainability. Key challenges include capacity development gaps, with a shortage of skilled talent and knowledge gaps in emerging energy solutions; supply chain constraints, characterised by logistical inefficiencies, delays in project execution, and high operational costs; foreign exchange instability, with fluctuating forex rates that increase project costs and impact investment decisions; geopolitical uncertainties, such as Angola’s exit from OPEC and other global market shifts affecting crude oil prices; and social and political influences, such as the role of social media in policy and decision-making, which can be seen in recent energy sector developments in Kenya.
These interconnected risks highlight the increasingly complex nature of challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Addressing them requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategic policy development, investment in local capacity building, improved infrastructure, and innovative supply chain solutions. As Nigeria continues to evolve its energy strategy, the oil and gas sector must remain agile and adaptable to ensure long-term growth and sustainability, aligning with global trends and the energy transition agenda.
Recognising these evolving risks, SPE Nigeria has crafted the 2024/2025 theme, “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy,” to spark robust discussions around these critical issues. Our goal is to host industry-wide engagements through conferences, technical workshops, and expert panels to analyse these challenges and propose actionable solutions. We will compile key insights and recommendations from these discussions and formally communicate them to the government, IOCs, indigenous operators, and other key stakeholders.
To strengthen capacity development, we will roll out training programs tailored to address skills gaps, ensuring Nigerian professionals remain competitive. Additionally, we will work to enhance collaboration across the supply chain, advocating for policies that improve efficiency and reduce costs. Encouraging strategic risk management will be crucial, as we aim to help stakeholders anticipate and mitigate the indirect risks affecting the industry.
Through shaping industry conversations and driving meaningful policy recommendations, SPE Nigeria is committed to ensuring a resilient and competitive oil and gas sector for the future. To achieve this, we have carefully curated a line-up of high-impact programs aimed at providing deep industry insights, fostering collaboration, and driving professional development. These initiatives include NAICE 2025 (Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition, August 4 – 6, 2025), the largest gathering of oil and gas professionals in Africa, which will feature technical sessions, exhibitions, and strategic discussions on industry challenges and solutions. The YPW 2025 (Young Professionals Workshop, August 3 – 4, 2025) will serve as a platform to equip the next generation of professionals with skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The STSE 2025 (Student Technical Symposium & Exhibition, April 3 – 5, 2025) will provide students with an opportunity to showcase research, exchange ideas, and engage with industry leaders. Additionally, the WLLS 2025 (Women Leadership Lecture Series, March 8, 2025) will empower women in energy and foster gender inclusion in the industry. The AGIS 2025 (Africa Gas Innovation Summit, May 22 – 23, 2025) will address gas sector development, sustainability, and innovation in Africa. We will also hold Children in Energy 2025 (May 27, 2025) to promote energy awareness and STEM education among the younger generation, and the OLEF 2025 (Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum, April 10, 2025) will be dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s energy future, sustainability, and technological advancements.
These initiatives are integral to driving conversations around sustainability, digital transformation, and leadership within our industry.

How do you see the energy transition impacting the industry, and what role can SPE Nigeria play in this shift?
The energy transition is reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Stricter regulations, shifting investment trends, and increasing demand for cleaner energy sources require the industry to adapt and innovate. Natural gas, digitalisation, and workforce re-skilling are key focus areas for staying competitive. The energy transition is not a threat but an opportunity for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to evolve, innovate, and secure its place in the future energy mix. SPE Nigeria can lead this transformation by providing technical knowledge, fostering collaboration, and equipping professionals with the right skills (such as renewables, energy efficiency, CCUS, hydrogen, and AI in oil and gas) to drive a balanced, sustainable, and inclusive energy future. Look out for our short courses lined up for NAICE 2025!

What opportunities do you see for collaboration between SPE Nigeria and other industry stakeholders?
Collaboration is crucial to driving innovation, sustainability, and growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. SPE Nigeria can work alongside government agencies, IOCs, indigenous operators, financial institutions, academia, and technology providers to advance the industry.
Key areas for collaboration include capacity development and training, where we can partner with universities, PTDF, NCDMB, and industry players to bridge skill gaps through technical workshops, certification programs, and student mentorship. In the realm of policy advocacy and regulatory engagement, we can engage with regulators such as NUPRC and NMDPRA to help shape policies that balance energy security, sustainability, and investment growth.
Energy transition and sustainability represent another key area, where we can collaborate with renewable energy firms, gas companies, and research institutions to explore low-carbon solutions, CCUS, and natural gas utilisation. We will also work with technology companies and service providers to drive digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and automation across upstream and midstream operations.
In addition, funding and investment facilitation will play an important role in unlocking financial support for oil and gas projects, particularly in marginal fields and gas infrastructure. Our focus on diversity and inclusion will see us partner with women’s organisations and professional bodies to increase female participation and empower young professionals in the industry.
By leveraging these partnerships, SPE Nigeria can enhance knowledge sharing, foster innovation, and strengthen the industry’s resilience in an ever-evolving global energy landscape

Let’s Discuss Personal and Professional Growth:
Can you share some of your most notable accomplishments in your career so far?
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to achieve several notable milestones that have shaped my leadership journey. One of my most significant accomplishments has been my leadership in SPE Nigeria, where I became the first female Council Chair. In this role, I have driven strategic initiatives focused on technical excellence, diversity, and fostering collaboration across the industry.
In addition, I have made regulatory contributions by playing a key role in policy formulation and regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, ensuring compliance, and efficiency, and promoting sustainable energy development. Another important achievement has been the development of a Hybrid AHP Model for Marginal Field Optimization, which I introduced during my PhD research. This decision-making framework integrates economic, technical, and policy factors to optimise marginal field development in Nigeria.
Championing women’s participation in the energy sector has also been a core focus of my leadership journey. Through SPE Nigeria’s Women Leadership Program, we have actively supported the growth of women in the oil and gas industry. We launched the Girl in STEM (GIS) Leadership Award, established a mentorship platform, and continue to celebrate the achievements of GIS leaders who are making remarkable strides in their fields, inspiring the next generation of women in energy.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with other aspects of your life?
Balancing my career and leadership roles requires prioritisation, discipline, and effective time management. I focus on setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks, and making time for mentorship, continuous learning, and personal well-being.
I am especially grateful for the strong support of my family, whose encouragement enables me to navigate my responsibilities while staying grounded and fulfilled.

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to pursue careers in STEM fields?
Believe in yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning. Find mentors, embrace challenges, and persevere through setbacks. Be bold, take risks, and support each other in building a strong network. Your unique perspective is an asset, and you have the power to shape the future of STEM. Most importantly hold on to God and go easy, speed kills.

Finally, Let’s Look at SPE Nigeria and Future Plans:
What are your plans for increasing SPE Nigeria’s visibility and engagement with the wider industry?
As a regulator and female leader, I plan to increase SPE Nigeria’s visibility by leveraging my network to build strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders. I will enhance our digital presence, host impactful events like NAICE and the Women Leadership Series, and highlight the achievements of our members. By strengthening our public relations efforts, I aim to position SPE Nigeria as a leading voice in the petroleum sector.

How do you plan to build on the successes of previous Council Chairs and take SPE Nigeria to the next level?
To build on the successes of previous Council Chairs and take SPE Nigeria to the next level, I will strengthen existing initiatives, drive diversity and youth engagement, leverage digital platforms, and foster collaborations with industry stakeholders. As a regulator, I will use my network to create more impactful partnerships, ensuring SPE Nigeria remains a forward-thinking and influential force in the industry.

What legacy do you hope to leave as the first female Council Chair of SPE Nigeria?
As the first female Council Chair of SPE Nigeria, I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation. I want to be remembered for advancing diversity, particularly by increasing female participation in the industry, and for creating mentorship platforms that enable young professionals to thrive.
I aim to leave behind a stronger, more collaborative SPE Nigeria that is at the forefront of addressing industry challenges through technological innovation and thought leadership. My goal is for SPE Nigeria to be recognised not just as an organisation that supports professional growth, but also as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive change in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

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