- Industry leaders at the 17th PSRG-Richardson HSSE Forum urged policy and investment reforms to position Nigeria as the Gulf of Guinea’s leading energy hub.
- Speakers emphasised boosting oil output, strengthening local capacity, and enhancing human capital to drive sustainable growth in the energy sector.
Industry leaders at the 17th PSRG-Richardson HSSE Forum urged the Nigerian government and investors to implement bold policy and investment reforms to establish Nigeria as the Gulf of Guinea’s top energy hub.
Richardson Oil & Gas Limited in Lagos and the Process Safety & Reliability Group in Houston jointly organised the annual Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Forum. The organisers also designed the platform to bring together practitioners who analyse safety challenges, share sectoral experiences, and propose practical solutions to HSSE issues. Since launching in 2009, the forum has gained industry-wide recognition for promoting best practices in safety and sustainability.
The 17th edition took place on 16–17 September 2025 with the theme “Nigeria: The Gulf of Guinea’s Energy Hub – Mapping the Pathway.” The hybrid event attracted speakers, sponsors, and delegates from the energy sector. Olanrewaju Kalejaiye, Managing Director of ND Western Limited, chaired the conference on behalf of Dr Layi Fatona, Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.
Leading sponsors and supporters included NLNG, TotalEnergies Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Aradel Holdings, Access Bank, ND Western, Prime Atlantic Safety Services, FirstBank, GCA Energy, NEXIM Bank, and Atlantic Marine & Oilfield Services.
Aradel Holdings Managing Director Adegbite Falade urged Nigeria to boost crude oil production from 1.8 million barrels per day to four million barrels by introducing incentives that attract exploration and investment. In addition, he encouraged the government to strengthen the local service industry by promoting mergers among indigenous contractors, incentivising the return of international service companies, and developing service hubs in Port Harcourt, Warri, Uyo, and Lagos.
Furthermore, Richardson Oil & Gas Managing Director Akin Osuntoki called for accelerated human capital development to close gaps in health, safety, and environmental practices across industries. He said the forum continues to drive Nigerian content growth and foster collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
Meanwhile, Osuntoki announced that the 2026 PSRG-Richardson HSSE Forum will extend discussions beyond Nigeria, deepening dialogue on local content, digital transformation, safety innovation, health, and climate adaptation. He said the next edition will strengthen the forum’s reputation as the Gulf of Guinea’s leading HSSE platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Industry executives, including Humphrey Okposo, CEO of Atlantic Marine & Oilfield Services; Weyimi Metseagharun, Head of Environment at NLNG; Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Asset at TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria; Obi Uzu, Vice Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria; and Christopher Osarumwense, President of the Oil & Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria, delivered goodwill messages during the event.