What is it like to move from working as a woman engineer offshore to heading the External Affairs and Government Relations team at Heirs Energies? Meet Chidimma Ugbojiaku who has experience at various Oil and Gas facilities – land, swamp, shallow waters, and deep offshore.

Spotlight on a woman engineer in oil and gas

Background to becoming an Engineer

What type of science and engineering interested you when you were a child?
As a child, I developed a deep fascination with subjects like physics, geography, calculus, and engineering drawings. What particularly intrigued me were orthographic projections and technical drawings. These enabled me to see how an idea could be visualised and planned in intricate detail before it was ever brought to life. This early interest in how things are designed and the logic behind their construction sparked my curiosity about engineering.

Influences

Did you have any toys that reflected this interest? Or did you help with technical things?
While I didn’t have toys that specifically reflected my technical interests, my older brothers did, and that influenced my perspective greatly. Their toys, along with my exposure to their own explorations of technology and engineering, contributed to my appreciation for the technical world and laid the foundation for my career path.

Career as a woman engineer in Oil and Gas

What roles have you held so far?

I began my career working as a woman engineer at various Oil and Gas facilities – land, swamp, shallow waters, and deep offshore. I was working as a young safety engineer with the Nigerian Department for Petroleum Resources. This hands-on experience in safety engineering and process safety was pivotal in shaping my career. Over time, I transitioned into roles that spanned health, process safety, environment, and community (HSEC), and eventually moved into management. My current focus encompasses External Affairs, Government Relations, Brand & Corporate Communications, and Sustainability. Each of which is integral to shaping a responsible, forward-thinking corporate culture within the energy sector.

Skills acquired

Which skills did you take from these roles (both hard and soft)?
My technical foundation provided a strong grasp of safety protocols, risk assessment, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Over the years, I have honed my problem-solving skills, learning to see possibilities where others see challenges. This mindset has been essential in tackling complex issues, whether technical or organisational, and finding innovative solutions.

In addition to my technical expertise, my experience in corporate communications, government relations, and sustainability has significantly sharpened my strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capabilities. The hard skills I’ve gained in safety engineering and technical management complement my soft skills in negotiation, influence, and adaptability. These skills have been crucial as I pivoted into management and navigated a wide range of leadership responsibilities.

Field Working

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting field work?
For those embarking on field work, in the oil and gas industry, my advice is simple:
always prioritise safety,
stay curious,
and be proactive in learning.
Field work can be intense and challenging, but it provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand the real-world applications of engineering and safety practices. Embrace the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships with your team.

Work-life balance

How do you maintain a work-life balance when working on-site or offshore as a woman engineer?
Maintaining a work-life balance in such demanding environments requires intentionality. I prioritise physical and mental wellness by integrating exercise and yoga into my daily routine, which helps me recharge. Quality time with family is also essential, and I make it a point to stay connected, even when I am away. Reading and writing is another activity that helps me unwind and maintain a sense of equilibrium between work and personal life.

Family and friends

What is your advice for keeping time for family and friends?
It’s important to be mindful of the time you have outside of work. Whether on-site or offshore, setting aside time for calls, video chats, or even short messages to stay in touch with family and friends can make a huge difference. It’s about finding moments of connection, no matter how brief, and ensuring that work commitments do not overshadow personal relationships.

Health and fitness

How do you stay fit and healthy?
Staying fit and healthy, especially in challenging environments, requires discipline. I incorporate regular exercise routines into my day, including yoga, to stay physically and mentally sharp. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are also non-negotiables for me, as they play a crucial role in sustaining energy and focus, particularly during demanding periods.

Personal life

How do you maintain balance in your personal life?
In addition to physical wellness, I find that reading, research, and writing are key activities that help me unwind. These pursuits allow me to engage my mind and expand my knowledge, which in turn helps maintain a sense of equilibrium between my professional and personal life. Whether it’s delving into industry literature, exploring new topics, or reflecting through writing, these activities provide a vital mental break and foster my continuous learning.

Chidimma Ugbojiaku

Chidimma Ugbojiaku currently heads the External Affairs and Government Relations team at Heirs Energies. Heirs Energies is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa. Chidimma is thrilled to be at the heart of this impactful journey.
Chidimma has a degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a post graduate diploma in Oil and Gas Project Management, an MBA and a PhD in Sustainability. She is based in Nigeria.

Further reading

Spotlight on being a woman working on oil wells
Spotlight on life of a Well Intervention Engineer