{"id":10211,"date":"2016-11-20T06:11:48","date_gmt":"2016-11-20T02:11:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/africa\/?p=10211"},"modified":"2016-11-20T06:11:48","modified_gmt":"2016-11-20T02:11:48","slug":"nigeria-to-invest-3-billion-in-technology-modernisation-of-energy-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intelligentcio.com\/africa\/2016\/11\/20\/nigeria-to-invest-3-billion-in-technology-modernisation-of-energy-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria invests $3 billion in technology modernisation of energy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Energy companies are playing a leading role in supporting high-tech energy infrastructure projects in Nigeria and across Africa, according to the head of research and development at one of the leading multinational investors in Nigeria\u2019s oil and gas industry speaking at Gitex Technology Week.<\/p>\n

Nigeria\u2019s ambitious $3 billion energy modernisation programme aims to expand the electricity supply, create more efficient energy production and usage, and increase rural and semi-urban power access from 35% to 75%.<\/p>\n

Nigeria is Africa\u2019s largest oil producer, and the world\u2019s fourth-largest liquefied natural gas exporter, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. Pascal Dauboin, Senior Advisor for Digital Technologies at Total, believes oil and gas companies experiences of working in a multinational and multicultural context can help drive innovation across energy sector.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn today\u2019s interconnected world, the ability to find, share, and integrate knowledge from across the spectrum is essential,\u201d said Dauboin, who presented at Gitex Technology Week.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe oil and gas industry is rapidly undergoing a digital transformation, with a rapid uptake in innovative technologies that are driving digital oilfields. TOTAL is at the forefront of adopting innovations such as drones, robotics, and early event detection systems to monitor and repair infrastructure, while new generations of sensors enable the development of new products for real time, on-line analysis, following the always increasing safety and quality requirements. Digitally transformed processes will increase performance, robustness and safety in many industrial domains, while building the job skills of tomorrow,\u201d added Dauboin.<\/p>\n

To promote international interest in ICT opportunities in Nigeria and across the continent, Nigeria\u2019s National Information Technology Development Agency<\/a> hosted an Africa Investment Forum at Gitex 2016.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom digital oilfields running on drones and robotics, to smart grids distributing electricity generated from renewable energy, the energy sector in Nigeria and Africa hosts tremendous investment opportunities,\u201d said Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General of Nigeria\u2019s National Information Technology Development Agency.<\/p>\n

\u201cDubai connects Africa to global investors and companies. The energy, oil, and gas sector in Nigeria and Africa is rapidly undergoing digital transformation, and key players can discover the latest innovations and business opportunities at Gitex Technology Week,\u201d said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President for Exhibitions and Events Management at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which hosts Gitex Technology Week.<\/p>\n