Esso Strengthens Supplier Diversity with Focus on Women-Owned Enterprises
Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) has reaffirmed its dedication to expanding procurement access and enhancing supplier diversity within Nigeria's dynamic energy sector through strategic engagement with women-owned businesses. The company recently organized a specialized supplier diversity session titled "Meet the Member Buyer" at its Ikoyi office in Lagos, designed to foster deeper collaboration, promote inclusive sourcing practices, and bolster local capacity development across the entire oil and gas value chain.
Platform for Direct Engagement and Capacity Building
The event successfully brought together members of WEConnect International and certified women-owned enterprises operating in various segments of the energy industry. This gathering provided a valuable platform for direct interaction between suppliers and key procurement decision-makers, facilitating meaningful dialogue and partnership opportunities. During the session, Executive Director of Development at EEPNL, Etabuko Arbihire, emphasized that Esso's Supplier Diversity Programme is crafted to transcend mere corporate commitments by generating tangible opportunities for women-owned businesses to actively participate in the sector's procurement ecosystem.
Arbihire elaborated that while policy commitments hold importance, enabling meaningful participation in a complex and heavily regulated industry necessitates deliberate efforts that assist suppliers in comprehending expectations and building essential capacity. "At Esso, we believe strong partnerships drive sustainable progress. Our Supplier Diversity Programme underscores our focus on creating real opportunities for Nigerian businesses, especially women-owned enterprises that bring innovation, agility, and value to the energy industry," he stated.
Beyond Vendor Registration: Structured Engagement and Transparency
Arbihire highlighted that promoting inclusion within the oil and gas industry requires more than simply opening vendor registration platforms. He stressed the critical need for structured engagement between buyers and suppliers, which helps clarify procurement requirements while simultaneously boosting confidence and competitiveness among local businesses aspiring to join the energy supply chain. Furthermore, he reiterated that despite ExxonMobil affiliates' divestment from shallow-water assets, the company remains steadfastly committed to Nigeria through its deepwater operations.
The firm continues to maintain substantial investments in deepwater assets, including the Erha and Usan fields, with growth plans spanning the near, medium, and long term. Arbihire explained that the supplier diversity initiative is strategically designed to position women-owned enterprises to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the sector. "The 'Meet the Member Buyer' engagement is not just a networking event, it is a deliberate step toward strengthening transparency, improving access to procurement, and advancing Nigeria's local content objectives," he added.
Collaborative Support from Regulatory Bodies
Also speaking at the event, Senior Manager for Capacity Building at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Alexis Emelle, reaffirmed the Board's commitment to supporting women-owned businesses through enhanced access to funding and capacity development initiatives. Emelle emphasized the importance of strengthening documentation processes and building the institutional capacity necessary for local businesses to meet industry standards and compete effectively in the sector.
Participants engaged in an interactive session with senior officials from both EEPNL and the NCDMB, where discussions centered on procurement procedures, regulatory expectations, and potential growth pathways for women-owned businesses within the energy sector. Both organizations pledged ongoing collaboration aimed at addressing barriers that frequently limit access to procurement opportunities and financing for women entrepreneurs in the oil and gas industry.
EEPNL noted that initiatives like its Supplier Diversity Programme are integral components of broader efforts to deepen local participation in the Nigerian business ecosystem. This is particularly focused on supporting women-led enterprises seeking to scale operations and seamlessly integrate into the sector's supply chain, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and innovation.
