• Huawei introduced digital solutions to tackle exploration inefficiency, pipeline security issues, and reliance on foreign data systems.

• Key innovations include an AI-based offshore exploration tool and  3D security platform.

Chinese technology firm Huawei has launched a suite of digital solutions aimed at bolstering the transformation of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The announcement occurred in Lagos during the Oil and Gas Forum, a key event at Huawei Nigeria Day 2025, held last week.

These technological offerings are designed to tackle three significant challenges hindering the industry's efficiency: cumbersome exploration processes, persistent vulnerabilities in pipeline security, and a reliance on foreign systems for data management, which compromises digital sovereignty.

Among the showcased innovations is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven offshore exploration solution. This technology promises to slash seismic data processing time from 21 days to a mere 72 hours, while achieving an impressive 92% accuracy rate. Pilot testing in the OML 130 block of the Niger Delta reportedly resulted in a 35% reduction in exploration costs. Huawei also presented a sophisticated three-dimensional security platform integrating fiber optic sensors and video analytics. This solution has purportedly reduced pipeline leaks by 60% and dramatically cut incident response time from 45 minutes to just 8 minutes.

Addressing the critical issue of digital sovereignty, Huawei introduced a localized cloud infrastructure that adheres to Nigerian regulations concerning strategic data. Information pertaining to oil and gas operations will now be stored within Nigeria, enhancing security and ensuring real-time accessibility.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader 2050 energy transition strategy, which seeks to strengthen domestic technical capabilities, ensure energy security, and modernize a vital sector of the national economy.

Oil and Gas: A Cornerstone of Nigeria's Economy

The oil and gas sector forms the bedrock of Nigeria's economy, generating over 90% of the nation's export revenue and approximately half of the government's income. As Africa's leading crude oil producer, Nigeria also holds the continent's largest proven natural gas reserves.

However, the sector grapples with long-standing structural challenges, including outdated infrastructure, insufficient investment in innovation, pipeline sabotage, and a dependency on foreign technology. By providing advanced technological solutions, Huawei aims to contribute to a more efficient utilization of national resources and improved governance within the sector.

To further this goal, the Chinese conglomerate intends to double incentives for its local partners and train more than 1,000 Nigerian professionals in energy technologies by the end of 2025. The objective is to cultivate a local ecosystem capable of accelerating the digital transition of Nigeria’s energy industry.

For Huawei, this strategic move aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for energy innovation, leveraging technology to optimize productivity, secure critical infrastructure, and bolster data sovereignty.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji