WIEN Supports Women-Owned Enterprises at ExxonMobil Supplier Diversity Engagement

Lagos, Nigeria | April 2026

The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) continues to champion initiatives that promote greater participation of women-owned enterprises across the energy value chain. In line with this commitment, WIEN recently supported member participation in a strategic supplier diversity engagement hosted by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (an affiliate of ExxonMobil) in collaboration with WEConnect International.

The half-day “Meet the Member Buyer” session was designed to create direct engagement between women-owned businesses and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy industry, offering a platform to strengthen collaboration and broaden procurement access for qualified women-led enterprises.

Held at the Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited Multipurpose Hall in Ikoyi, Lagos, the engagement brought together Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), Women-Owned Businesses (WOBs), and representatives from across the energy ecosystem. Participants received valuable insights into procurement processes, supplier expectations, and emerging opportunities within the sector.

Strengthening Supplier Diversity in the Energy Industry

A central theme of the engagement was the importance of supplier diversity as a catalyst for sustainable industry growth. Through presentations and interactive sessions, participants gained direct exposure to ExxonMobil’s supplier teams and were introduced to global supply chain partners, including a multinational maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) company.

The programme also featured representatives from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), who highlighted ongoing efforts to expand local participation and improve access to funding and capacity development for indigenous enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses.

According to Etabuko Abirhire, Executive Director for Development at Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, the Supplier Diversity Programme is more than a policy initiative. It represents a practical framework for connecting capable women-led enterprises with real procurement opportunities within the oil and gas sector.

He emphasized that building inclusive supply chains requires deliberate engagement, transparency in procurement requirements, and sustained trust between buyers and suppliers.

WIEN’s Advocacy for Women-Led Businesses

The engagement aligns closely with WIEN’s advocacy for stronger inclusion of women-led enterprises within the energy sector. Recently, WIEN President Eyono Fatai-Williams reiterated the need for more opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the industry.

She noted that while women continue to demonstrate capability and innovation across various segments of the sector, many women-owned businesses still face structural barriers when accessing procurement opportunities.

WIEN has consistently advocated for more inclusive policies and industry practices that ensure women entrepreneurs can fully contribute to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector.

Building Capacity and Access for the Future

During the session, participants engaged directly with senior officials from EEPNL and NCDMB on topics including regulatory expectations, procurement standards, documentation requirements, and pathways for scaling within the energy supply chain.

The interactive discussions reinforced the importance of preparedness, technical competence, and compliance with industry standards for businesses seeking to compete successfully in the highly regulated oil and gas sector.

Encouragingly, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to reducing barriers that limit access to opportunities and financing for women entrepreneurs.

Advancing Inclusive Growth in the Energy Value Chain

Initiatives such as the “Meet the Member Buyer” engagement demonstrate the growing recognition of women-owned businesses as critical contributors to innovation, operational excellence, and economic development within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.

For WIEN, partnerships and industry collaborations remain essential to ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not only visible within the sector but are also positioned to participate meaningfully in supply chains, leadership roles, and investment opportunities.

As Nigeria’s energy industry evolves and new opportunities emerge across upstream, midstream, downstream, and energy transition segments, WIEN will continue to advocate for policies, partnerships, and programmes that empower women to lead and thrive.

Through sustained collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Network remains committed to building a more inclusive and competitive energy sector where women-owned enterprises can grow, scale, and contribute to the future of Africa’s energy landscape.