Nigeria needs to create environment for more women in oil, gas sector – Nneamaka Okafor
Kingsley Jeremiah
Nneamaka Chinenye Okafor is the Special Adviser on Communication to the Minister of Petroleum Resources. With over 15 years of experience in communications and government relations, she specialises in media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communication. Now making strides in Nigeria’s male-dominated oil and gas sector, in this interview, Okafor discusses impact of effective government communication, and need to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Share with us your upbringing and how it shaped your career?
I was born in Jos, Plateau State, and I am proud to call myself a Jossite. I come from a family of five children, three brothers, one sister, and myself, the middle child. My parents are entrepreneurs, and they placed a strong emphasis on education. I later studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where I had the privilege of learning from some of the best lecturers in humanities. My education provided me with a solid foundation, and I carry those lessons with me in my career. I am currently completing my Masters in Strategic and Development Communication at the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication, Nasarawa State University.
There is often this perception that journalists aspire to move into the public sector, particularly as Special Advisers (SAs) or in other governmental roles. Do you see this as a good or bad thing?
I do not see it as a bad thing at all. Journalism is a continuum; it is not a profession that one necessarily leaves but rather evolves within. Take, for instance, there are journalists, given the uniqueness of the profession, who would have retired but they will be sought after by organisations locally and globally because they are not just storytellers but understanding of how systems work, they know a lot of people and have seen the other sides of things positively and negatively. The beauty of journalism is that it allows for adaptability. You may begin as a journalist, but over time, you might find yourself in public service, consultancy, academia, or other related fields. I believe it is all interconnected. Journalism is not something you ‘retire’ from; rather, it is a broad profession with different compartments, and one can function across them if they so desire.
Your first shot in public service was in Imo as special adviser to the governor. What a daunting task?
Public service was a natural progression for me. Journalism equips you with the ability to analyse policies, ask the right questions, and hold leaders accountable. However, I wanted to be part of the process, not just report on it. As Special Adviser to the Governor, I led media efforts that improved the state’s visibility in national media by 57 per cent. I also spearheaded digital PR strategies, which increased public trust and engagement by 28 per cent. One of my major tasks was verifying social media accounts, eliminating over 160 fake accounts that had been used to spread misinformation. Managing the state’s social media platforms also required a strategic approach. We grew the audience by 50 per cent, reaching over 300,000 followers, and increased public confidence through transparent communication. It was a demanding role, but it reinforced the importance of effective messaging in governance.
You are currently the Special Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum Resources on Media and Communication. How does this role differ from your previous experiences?
The oil and gas sector is highly technical and fast-paced. Unlike journalism or public service, where the focus is often on storytelling and engagement, this role requires a balance between technical knowledge and strategic communication.
My primary responsibility is managing the media, public perception and putting together press releases, ensuring that Nigeria’s energy policies are clearly communicated to both local and international stakeholders. I also oversee stakeholder engagement, particularly with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), to foster collaboration and policy alignment. In addition, I coordinate the Minister’s speaking engagements, including at global events such as OPEC meetings and the World Economic Forum. Crafting speeches for such high-level events requires a deep understanding of not just energy policies and their global implications, but also my principal and his stance on those global issues. Another critical aspect of my role is crisis communication. The energy sector is highly volatile, and swift responses are essential to managing challenges effectively. I lead efforts to address public concerns, ensuring transparency and trust in Nigeria’s energy initiatives.
The oil sector remains a heavily male-dominated industry, with only about 12 per cent of women in the workforce, according to NEITI. What are your thoughts on this?
This trend is not unique to Nigeria. Many technical and engineering-related industries have historically had lower female representation. However, I do not believe it is solely a matter of exclusion. The oil sector is highly technical, involving complex, hard-wired projects. While it is not beyond women, many may simply choose other career paths. However, I have encountered remarkable women in this industry, top engineers and experts running operations seamlessly. More women should aspire to enter this field, and they should be given the necessary opportunities based on competence. Their gender should not be seen as a disadvantage but rather as an advantage. Women bring a unique perspective, and their ability to balance logic with intuition is invaluable.
For instance, my 11-year-old daughter might one day decide to become an engineer. If that is her dream, I will give her my full support. Representation matters, and the more young girls see women excelling in the oil industry, the more they will be encouraged to pursue careers in the sector. Often, when we discuss gender inclusion, the conversation leans toward “give women a chance.” But it should be more about “how do we create a level playing field where both men and women can aspire and compete fairly?” If we encourage more women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, they will be better positioned to enter the oil and gas industry.
Beyond education and employment, what role does networking play in breaking these barriers?
Networking is critical. Women must learn to position themselves and advocate for opportunities. Nobody is going to hand you success; you have to push for it. It’s about actively engaging, building connections, and proving competence. In addition to formal education, we should teach young girls soft skills like negotiation, networking, and problem-solving. Many times, opportunities don’t just come from qualifications but from relationships and visibility.
Do you think more communication professionals should enter public service to bridge this gap?
Absolutely. Government communication isn’t just about writing press statements. It involves strategic messaging, crisis management, and public relations. Many journalists would make excellent government communicators, but they also need to learn development communication and policy advocacy. Public communication requires emotional intelligence because government decisions impact millions of lives. It’s not an easy job, but it’s crucial for building trust between the government and the people.
Now, on a personal note; balancing a high-pressure career with family life is tough, especially for women. How do you manage it?
It’s not easy, but having a strong support system is key. I have family members, friends, and colleagues who step in when I need help. I personally relied on trusted people to help with childcare. I also make deliberate efforts to be fully present when I need to be and when I cannot I let others show up for me. This is because I wanted to be fully present for my child while also excelling in my career, and that required intentional planning. Having help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategy for success. Whether it’s family, friends, or hired assistance, women should not hesitate to seek support.
Many believe that career-driven women risk neglecting their families. How do you respond to that?
That’s a misconception. It’s about quality over quantity. I make sure to be present in meaningful ways, whether through conversations, shared activities, or just being there when it matters most. For instance, I haven’t been home for my child’s last two birthdays because of work, but we’ve created alternative ways to celebrate. The key is to ensure that your child knows they are valued, even if you can’t always be physically present.
What advice do you have for young professionals trying to balance work and family life?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every family dynamic is different. What works for me may not work for someone else. However, one thing remains true, intentionality is key. You have to decide what your priorities are at different stages of your life and plan accordingly. There will be times when family comes first and times when work requires more attention. The key is finding a balance that works for you.
Finally, many young Nigerians are considering relocating abroad. What’s your take on “japa” (emigrating for better opportunities)?
It’s a personal decision. Nigeria has challenges, but so does every other country. Economic hardship is global. The question should be: Will moving abroad genuinely improve my personal and professional growth?
Guardian