WorldStage Newsonline– The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Research, Technology and Innovation (NNPC Ltd. RTI), have signed a pact to deepen research, innovation and skills acquisition.
Mr Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary, PTDF, said this during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, on Monday in Abuja.
The proposed areas of collaboration include joint research activities; technical support, infrastructure and innovation hubs, local content, data/knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Aminu said the development marked a significant milestone in the shared vision to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector, through strategic collaboration, innovation, capacity development and emerging technologies in the oil and gas sector.
“This MoU is not just a document – it is a commitment to national progress, built on mutual trust and aligned objectives.
“Through this partnership, we are setting the stage for joint collaborative research focused on emerging technologies, particularly in the areas of sustainable oil and gas operations, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy security.
“This is a timely and necessary step as we collectively navigate the evolving global energy landscape.
“Through training programmes, innovation skills enhancement initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms, we aim to develop a generation of highly skilled professionals and researchers who will drive innovation and excellence across the energy value chain,’’ he said.
According to Aminu, the partnership will also foster stronger linkages between academia, industry, and government, creating an ecosystem where research is not only encouraged but effectively translated into real-world solutions.
He said that it would support the acquisition, transfer, and commercialisation of critical technologies, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in energy innovation and sustainable development
The PTDF helmsman said by leveraging the fund’s research infrastructure and NNPCL-RTI’S laboratories, a robust foundation for collaborative testing, validation, and deployment of breakthrough technologies in refinery catalyst production, oil and gas drilling operations would be established.
“We are also united in our resolve to establish sustainable funding models for research, training, and innovation ensuring that our efforts remain impactful and forward looking through the adoption of a strategic approach that ensures mutual benefits for all.
“The Fund also has an existing collaboration with NNPCL Learning Academy at the college of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), a testament to the existing relationship between PTDF and NNPCL,’’ he said.
On energy transition, Aminu said the partnership aligned with Nigeria’s national energy objectives and global sustainability commitments, and represented a bold step towards a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive energy future.
Sophia Mbajwe, Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., said the partnership reflected their resolve to harness collaboration to address real-world challenges, deliver scalable solutions, and create lasting impact.
While describing the partnership as strategic and timely, Mbakwe said in today’s evolving global energy landscape, innovation, research, and human capacity development were essential to sustaining competitiveness, driving resilience, and maintaining Nigeria’s leadership in the energy sector.
“We recognise PTDF’s critical role in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas human capital and believe our collaboration through NNPC-RTI will open new frontiers in applied research, market-relevant innovation, and technological self-reliance-supporting economic growth and energy transition goals,’’ she said.
She commended the leadership of both RTI and PTDF for the dedication that made this milestone possible, towards building smarter, more resilient, and innovation driven Nigerian energy sector.
