KPMG Advisory Services has entered into a partnership with the Women in Energy Network (WIEN) to expand commercial and leadership opportunities for women-owned businesses and female professionals across Nigeria’s oil, gas and power industries.

The collaboration will introduce industry benchmarks and standards for measuring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), while establishing directories to connect qualified women with business partnerships, service contracts and leadership positions.

The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday. Key provisions include the development of a DEI Benchmark Report, independent due diligence procedures for WIEN’s industry awards and the creation of directories featuring board-ready female candidates and women-owned businesses.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, WIEN President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, said the initiative would generate evidence to support policy decisions, improve accountability and monitor progress towards greater gender diversity across the energy industry.

She explained that the proposed benchmark report would examine women’s representation, identify existing gaps and enable organisations to review their policies, governance arrangements and workplace practices. It is also expected to establish a baseline for measuring improvements in gender inclusion over time.

Another major component of the agreement is the WIEN Business Owners Directory, which will feature eligible women-owned enterprises that satisfy agreed qualification criteria and relevant industry requirements.

According to Fatai-Williams, the directory will enable energy companies to identify qualified female-owned businesses for potential partnerships and service contracts. The initiative is expected to increase the visibility of women entrepreneurs and improve their access to opportunities throughout the energy value chain.

The partnership will also establish the WIEN Board-Ready Candidates Directory, designed to connect organisations with qualified women seeking appointments to corporate boards and other leadership positions.

Fatai-Williams said both directories would make it easier for organisations to identify suitable female professionals and businesses while encouraging evidence-based decisions and wider participation across the sector.

Under the MoU, KPMG will also provide due diligence and vetting support for the WIEN Industry Awards. This will involve background checks and assessments of integrity and reputation to strengthen confidence in the awards and ensure that recognised individuals and organisations satisfy appropriate standards.

Speaking on behalf of KPMG, the firm’s Associate Director, Chukwuemeke Igabari, said the collaboration would contribute to greater recognition of women’s contributions to the energy industry.

He highlighted women’s involvement in several areas, including logistics, upstream and downstream petroleum operations, electricity and renewable energy.

Igabari explained that KPMG would work with WIEN to gather and validate information for the DEI Benchmark Report. The exercise will help energy companies determine whether their policies and governance structures provide women with equitable opportunities for career development and leadership.

The report is expected to offer industry stakeholders a clearer assessment of women’s representation and participation, helping organisations identify areas requiring targeted interventions.

WIEN also announced that the inaugural DEI Benchmark Report would be presented at its gala night on November 11 at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Beyond measuring gender inclusion, the partnership aims to improve the visibility of women-owned enterprises and qualified female professionals in an industry where access to commercial networks and leadership positions can shape business growth.

Through the initiative, both organisations seek to advance gender inclusion beyond general discussions by introducing measurable benchmarks, strengthening accountability and widening access to commercial opportunities for women across Nigeria’s energy value chain.

SOURCE: MSME Africa Online