NNPC Retail Hosts She-Fix 2.0 to Boost Women’s Participation in Energy Sector

NNPC Retail Limited, a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender inclusion and empowering women in technical and professional fields with the hosting of the second edition of its flagship women-focused initiative, She-Fix 2.0, in Abuja.

The event, held on Saturday under the theme “Driving Diversity, Powering Progress,” brought together more than 300 women professionals, entrepreneurs, young technicians, and leaders in the energy industry. The programme served as a platform to celebrate female excellence while encouraging greater participation of women across the energy value chain.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Andy Odeh, the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to promoting gender equity and creating practical opportunities for women to thrive in technical and leadership roles.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described inclusion as a critical driver of national development and urged stakeholders to expand opportunities for women in technical and science-based fields.

She commended NNPC Retail for initiating the programme and called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to scale initiatives that empower women, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In her keynote address, Executive Vice President, Business Services at NNPC Limited, Sophia Mbakwe, emphasised that women play vital roles across the organisation’s operations.

Mbakwe noted that NNPC Retail represents the company’s most visible interface with everyday Nigerians, making diversity and inclusion particularly important within the subsidiary’s workforce and operations.

The Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Huub Stokman, who was represented by the company’s Executive Director, Finance, Valentina Kojo, said initiatives that promote women’s empowerment must be practical, visible, and sustainable.

According to him, programmes such as She-Fix are designed to create real impact by equipping women with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to succeed in technical professions and business.

In his remarks, Odeh highlighted the growing influence of women in the global energy sector, noting that they are increasingly leading innovation, strengthening institutions, and shaping the narrative of an industry undergoing significant transformation.

He stressed that organisations that empower women benefit from increased value creation, adding that inclusive leadership ultimately drives institutional growth and societal progress.

One of the major highlights of the event was a high-level panel discussion featuring prominent female leaders from across the energy, finance, technology, and corporate governance sectors.

Panelists included Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe; Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited and Nigeria’s OPEC National Representative, Maryam Idris; Chief Customer Officer of Interswitch Limited, Oremeyi Akah; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Money Wise International, Toyin Alasi; and General Manager, Governance, Risk and Compliance at NNPC Retail Limited, Adaeze Nwakoby.

Beyond the panel session, the event also featured live car-care demonstrations aimed at building technical capacity among women, interactive knowledge sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster mentorship and collaboration.

Participants also explored a marketplace that showcased female-led businesses, while special promotional offers were provided on Oleum Lubricants and NR-GAS LPG products as part of the company’s engagement activities.

The She-Fix initiative was first launched in 2025 in Lagos and has since evolved into a growing platform for empowering women in Nigeria’s energy and technical sectors.

With the successful hosting of the second edition in Abuja, NNPC Retail said the programme will continue to expand its reach, creating sustainable opportunities for women while strengthening inclusion and diversity within Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.