Alhaji Usman Mohammed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Energy Services Company Ltd. (NESSCO), has called on Nigeria to speed up its adjustment to the ongoing global shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy in order to remain competitive in the international market.
He made the remarks in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference 2026 in Houston, United States, where industry stakeholders discussed emerging trends in the global energy sector.
Mohammed noted that rapid technological advancements and increasing investment in renewable and cleaner energy sources are transforming how energy is produced and consumed worldwide.
He explained that the industry is gradually moving away from heavy reliance on crude oil toward greater emphasis on gas development, a shift he said is already influencing revenue patterns across the sector.
According to him, “technology is advancing quickly, and the world is witnessing a major transition into green energy systems.”
He attributed the growth of indigenous firms in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to the country’s local content framework, which he said has created opportunities for domestic participation.
Mohammed stated that many Nigerian companies have expanded significantly as a result of deliberate government policies aimed at strengthening local capacity in the energy value chain.
He commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its efforts in promoting indigenous participation but highlighted access to finance as a major challenge facing local operators.
He suggested the establishment of a specialised financial institution for the energy sector, similar to the Bank of Agriculture, to provide affordable funding for gas and other energy projects.
The NESSCO boss also advocated reforms that would make existing funding mechanisms more accessible to credible Nigerian firms, arguing that qualification for project execution should translate into easier access to financing.
Mohammed disclosed that NESSCO has continued to expand its operations, recently securing a renewed contract through a competitive bidding process as well as signing a new agreement for drilling rig supply with a major industry player.
He said the company, which initially focused on offshore facility management and crane services, has diversified over the past decade into drilling support and other energy-related services.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about further expansion, particularly in the gas sector in the coming year.
Mohammed also stressed the importance of cooperation among indigenous companies, describing strategic partnerships as essential for long-term industry growth.
Drawing from his experience with global firms such as Saipem, TotalEnergies, Baker Hughes and BW Offshore, he noted that collaboration remains a key driver of success in the international energy industry.
He cautioned, however, that partnerships must be built on mutual trust and shared objectives rather than forced arrangements, which he said rarely succeed.
The NESSCO chief further urged Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s energy development, stressing that sustainable progress depends on local commitment and initiative.
He said government’s primary responsibility is to provide an enabling environment that allows indigenous companies to thrive and compete effectively.
Mohammed added that NESSCO has previously handled a significant portion of platform operations for ExxonMobil in Nigeria and has delivered services in areas such as heavy lifting operations, crane management, valve maintenance and testing, hydraulic hose services, fabrication, and equipment recertification.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continued growth and innovation within the energy services sector.