Grace Kelvin Ofongo, a name synonymous with excellence and innovation, continues to push boundaries in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
With a career spanning over a decade, her work as Deputy Manager of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) reflects her commitment to sustainability, local content development, and operational excellence.
One of Ofongo’s most notable contributions is her focus on promoting ethical practices within the oil and gas industry. By ensuring compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, she has championed sustainable practices that prioritize local capacity building while reducing dependence on foreign inputs.
“We must look inward and harness our resources, both human and material, to drive the future of the energy sector,” Ofongo said during a recent conference. Her advocacy for sustainability extends to creating frameworks that balance industrial growth with environmental preservation.
In a sector often slow to adapt to technological changes, Ofongo has been a leading force in leveraging technology to improve monitoring and evaluation processes. She developed key tools, such as dashboards for tracking expatriate quotas and compliance metrics, which have streamlined data collection and enhanced decision-making across the board.
Her innovations are now recognized as benchmarks for efficient resource management and are being replicated in other sectors within Nigeria.
As a former Chairperson of NCDMB’s Women in Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Ofongo has worked tirelessly to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her initiatives to mentor young women and advocate for policies supporting gender equity have opened doors for many.
“Representation matters. Women need to see themselves in roles of influence to believe they can achieve the same,” she remarked in a recent panel discussion.
Ofongo’s dedication has earned her multiple accolades, including the Global Recognition Award 2024. She is also an accomplished author, with works like Telecommuting: An Accommodation for People with Disabilities in Nigeria, highlighting her diverse expertise and thought leadership.
Looking ahead, Grace Kelvin Ofongo remains committed to fostering innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Her ongoing doctoral studies and active participation in professional bodies like the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) underscore her dedication to lifelong learning and industry advancement.
As Nigeria navigates the global energy transition, professionals like Ofongo are essential in ensuring the country’s resources and talent are harnessed for a sustainable and prosperous future.