Member profile: Adedayo Oyinlola MEI

When did you first become interested in energy?

I took special interest in energy-related courses during my undergraduate days at university while studying for my Bachelor in Technology in Mechanical Engineering – what particularly captured my interest was studying fluid mechanics within oil and gas operations.

What inspired you to pursue this career? And what path did you take to get there?

I was inspired by global efforts and advocacies at the time to achieve equilibrium of energy-related activities and their impacts on the environment. Following my graduation and engagements in the downstream petroleum sector, I undertook a Master of Science program in Environmental Resource Planning and later a Master of Technology in Petroleum Technology.

Tell us a little about your current job

I am currently assisting the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigeria’s petroleum downstream regulatory agency that is responsible for commercial regulation, tariff formulation and setting benchmarks for the various petroleum downstream operations including refining, import, storage, supply and distribution.

The role allows me to contribute to making policies and regulations including compliance monitoring that guarantees responsible and sustainable operations within the petroleum downstream sector.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

What I find incredibly fulfilling is when I see the impacts of the policies and regulations that lead to an increased investment flow within the sector.

This enables oil marketing organisations to re-invest in environmentally friendly technologies within the petroleum downstream value-chain. Other value-added services are introduced with improved healthy competition within the sector.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Working on the introduction of a robust tariff models and regulations within the petroleum downstream value chain was a significant milestone as the introduction of this policy stimulated investment flow within the sector, creating significant number of employment opportunities.

For example, this policy led to a 100% increase in capacities of petroleum products import reception and storage infrastructures between 2006 and 2016.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in energy?

The energy sector is paramount to the world economy and environment. It will always require innovative professionals to continue to develop initiatives and technologies that guarantees sustainable development, diversification and social inclusion.

Where do you think the energy industry is heading? And what part will you play in getting there?

Energy is a key driver of global economy. The global economic growth will continue to be determined by the level of energy demand and supply.

The increase in tempo of current advocacies on cleaner energy initiatives will continue to drive development of technologies that reduces energy footprint on the environment and encourage energy companies to optimise their operations in order to reduce its impact on the environment.

The role of energy regulators and institutes cannot be over-emphasized in developing policies and regulations that balances interests of consumers, operators and the environment.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend my spare time in court playing tennis during weekends. In addition, I attend religious fellowship.

And finally… What does being an MEI mean to you?

I joined the prestigious Energy Institute while seeking for global recognition of my contributions and achievements in the oil and gas sector.

Joining the EI has deepened my knowledge of energy sector, facilitated interaction with seasoned professionals and provided up-to-date information on recent global developments for effective benchmarking experience in line with best practices.

Being a member of the EI always reminds me that I am part of a community of energy professionals committed to sustainable developments.