. Secures approval of the National Technical Board for certification
By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NiPeTE) a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (Formerly the Petroleum Division) has announced plans to rebrand as the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers.
This, it said, is part of a strategic move to enhance professionalism and drive growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Chairperson of NiPeTE, Prisca Kanebi, disclosed this at a media conference held in Lagos to brief the press on the Institute’s renewed focus and future direction.
According to Ms. Kanebi, the rebranding marks a significant step in the Institute’s commitment to national development through professional excellence.
“We are working towards a strategic, focused path that will positively impact Nigeria’s economic growth,” she said.
She further stated that the Institute is actively collaborating with professionals in both academia and the oil and gas industry to harness expertise, identify best practices, and inform policy recommendations.
“We are pleased to announce that, after extensive consultations and in line with the evolving academic and professional landscape, we have successfully upgraded our name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” she said.
Kanebi also revealed that NiPeTE has secured the approval of the National Technical Board for its certification programs, as well as a successful second reading of its bill at the National Assembly.
“The date for the public hearing on the bill will be announced shortly,” she added.
The Chairperson called on all practicing petroleum engineers, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, to register with the Institute at www.nipete.org.ng.
She emphasized that the transition to a statutory body will further empower the Institute to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Addressing recent controversies, Ms. Kanebi urged the public to disregard a disclaimer issued by a group allegedly seeking to undermine the Institute’s leadership.
“We wish to clarify that the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is not involved in or in support of this misrepresentation by a few individuals acting in bad faith,” she stated.
We are working towards a strategic, focused path that will positively impact Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) being a non-statutory association has only acted with Information at their disposal which can be contested at a later time.
“The Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Executive Committee, Zonal Coordinators, and our members in the diaspora stand united in informing the public and the engineering community to remain vigilant and supportive of the Institute’s mission.
“We have no issues within ourselves in the industry, everything happening around are politically motivated by a few to hijack our system which is unfortunate,” Ms Kanebi concluded.
She informed that the Institute’s Executive Committee membership consists of:
Prisca Kanebi – Chairman; Nelkon Uzu – Deputy Chairman; Adebowale Orekoya – Vice Chairman I; Anyanwu Ignatius – Vice Chairman II, Victor Georgeson – Vice Chairman III; Dr Oscar Ogali – National Secretary; Dr Peter Aprioku – Financial Secretary; Bokizibe Elijah – Treasurer; Dr Ann Amalate – Technical Secretary; and Omijie Uwaye – Internal Auditor.
Others are Nathaniel Odianose – Publicity Secretary, Usiabulu Godsday – Asst. Publicity Secretary, Prof Suliaman Ibrahim – Ex Officio, Martin Ndudi – Ex Officio, Vitus Ibeh – Immediate Past Chairman, Prof Peter Akpoturi – South-South Coordinator.
Also on the committee are Prof Stanley Onwukwe – South-East Coordinator, Gbenga Maku – South-West Coordinator, Francis Nweke – North-Central Coordinator, and Dr Usman Hassan – North-East Coordinator.