Shell Engineers Clinch Top Technical Paper Award at SPE NAICE 2025
Shell Nigeria engineers have secured the coveted 1st Place Technical Paper Award at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), recognising their pioneering application of advanced well abandonment technology in Nigeria’s deepwater sector.
The winning team Augustine Okosun, Osehojie Ojeh-Oziegbe, Oluwatobiloba Aribike, and Oladokun Adubi was honoured “for an outstanding display of in-depth technical knowledge and quality delivery” in their paper titled Application of Perforate, Wash, and Cement (PWC) Technology for Annular Remediation in Deepwater Well Abandonment.
Pioneering Use of PWC Technology in Nigeria
PWC technology, which addresses annular remediation by creating a permanent isolation barrier during well abandonment, was deployed for the first time in deepwater Nigeria during the Bonga field midlife plug and abandonment campaign in Q2 2024. The process is vital for zonal isolation, preventing fluid migration, and ensuring environmental safety.
The paper demonstrated how PWC technology delivered significant cost and time savings compared to conventional methods, reinforcing its reputation as an efficient and cost-effective solution for well integrity and abandonment operations globally.
Recognition for Operational Excellence
The award was presented by former SPE African Regional Director, Engr. Anthony Ogunkoya, to Oluwatobiloba Aribike during the NAICE 2025 Award and Dinner Night in Lagos. The recognition underscores Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited’s (SNEPCo) commitment to cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and industry leadership in the Bonga field.
“Technology is a key aspect of the culture of excellence in our operations,” Augustine Okosun said. “We hope the insights we shared will encourage a culture of cost-effective and environmentally sound operations that operators need to remain competitive.”
