Olufemi Adeyemi 

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to boost research, innovation, and development in Nigeria’s petroleum and renewable energy sectors.

The agreement, sealed in Abuja on Wednesday, formalizes collaboration between PTDF and NNPCL’s Research, Technology and Innovation arm (NNPC RTI Ltd) to jointly explore emerging technologies in oil, gas, and sustainable energy operations. The partnership also targets improvements in energy efficiency and security.

PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, described the MoU as a commitment to “national progress,” emphasizing its potential to strengthen ties between academia, industry, and government. He highlighted planned joint research on sustainable operations, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, alongside human capital development initiatives such as training programs, skills enhancement, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

“Our joint commitment to local content development will ensure that Nigerian talents, materials, and technologies take center stage in driving value creation and economic diversification,” Aminu said.

NNPCL Executive Vice President, Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, called the agreement “strategic and timely,” noting that it would help both institutions address industry challenges, deliver scalable solutions, and prepare the next generation of energy professionals.

“The MoU unites our strengths to advance local content, foster technology adoption, and develop the next generation of energy professionals,” Mbakwe stated. “We 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.”

The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to maintain competitiveness in the global energy market while advancing its energy transition and sustainability agenda.


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