US, Africa urged to collaborate in simulation technologies
Gloria Siwe Usiagu stands at the intersection of two worlds – one where advanced simulation technologies drive industrial excellence, and another where tremendous potential awaits the right technological partnerships. As Production Unit Superintendent at Shell’s Gbaran Production Unit, managing over 1 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, Usiagu has witnessed firsthand how simulation techniques […]
Gloria Siwe Usiagu stands at the intersection of two worlds – one where advanced simulation technologies drive industrial excellence, and another where tremendous potential awaits the right technological partnerships. As Production Unit Superintendent at Shell’s Gbaran Production Unit, managing over 1 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, Usiagu has witnessed firsthand how simulation techniques can transform industrial operations.
“The gap between simulation application in the USA and Africa isn’t just technological—it’s about knowledge transfer and collaborative commitment,” Usiagu explains, drawing from her decade-plus experience managing complex oil and gas facilities across Nigeria. Her recent comparative analysis of simulation techniques in industrial engineering reveals stark disparities that she believes can be addressed through strategic partnerships.
Usiagu’s perspective is informed by managing some of Shell Nigeria’s most complex operations, including her current role overseeing the Gbaran/Kolo Creek Production Unit—responsible for 65% of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s daily oil target and 60% of gas supply to Nigeria LNG. “When you’re managing facilities worth billions and serving critical energy infrastructure, you realize how simulation can prevent costly failures and optimize performance,” she notes.
The industrial engineering expert points to three critical challenges hindering Africa’s simulation adoption: data availability, infrastructure limitations, and skill development gaps. However, she sees these not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
“In my experience delivering turnaround maintenance projects ahead of schedule and implementing digital optimization solutions that saved millions, I’ve learned that the right combination of local expertise and advanced technology can produce remarkable results.”
Usiagu’s track record speaks to this potential. As the event manager for Shell’s Soku gas plant 2020 turnaround maintenance, she delivered all objectives ahead of schedule while introducing novel productivity measurements. Her implementation of the first Manage, Threats, and Opportunities (MTO) deep dive session at Soku improved equipment availability from 84% to over 95% – a transformation she achieved by applying systematic analysis techniques that mirror advanced simulation methodologies.
“The beauty of simulation is that it allows you to test scenarios without real-world consequences,” Usiagu reflects, recalling her work as a Process Automation Control and Optimization supervisor. “But in Africa, we often have to simulate with limited data sets and infrastructure constraints. This is where collaboration with USA counterparts becomes invaluable – not just for technology transfer, but for developing contextually appropriate solutions.”
Her vision extends beyond mere technology adoption to sustainable knowledge ecosystems. Having championed multiskilling projects that made 80% of her frontline team multiskilled and led digital initiatives that won Shell’s 2022 Digitalization and Technology Impact Award, Usiagu understands how local capacity building multiplies technological impact.
“Training programs and technology transfer initiatives must be bidirectional,” she emphasizes. “Africa brings unique operational challenges and resource optimization expertise that can inform global best practices. Meanwhile, the USA’s advanced simulation tools and methodologies can accelerate Africa’s industrial development.”
Usiagu envisions collaborative workshops where American and African industrial engineers work together on real-world challenges, combining advanced simulation technologies with local operational insights. Her experience managing large-scale oil and gas production facilities and energy professionals across diverse cultural contexts has convinced her that such partnerships can yield innovations neither region could achieve alone.
“When I restored production from shut-in wells or optimized manning strategies for complex facilities, the solutions came from combining analytical rigor with contextual understanding,” she explains. “This same principle applies to simulation technology adoption – success requires both technical sophistication and local relevance.”
The Nigerian expert believes Africa’s industrialization journey offers a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development stages through strategic simulation adoption. However, she cautions against one-size-fits-all approaches, advocating instead for collaborative frameworks that respect local contexts while leveraging global expertise.
“The future of industrial engineering isn’t about developed countries exporting solutions to developing ones,” Usiagu concludes.
“It’s about creating partnerships where diverse perspectives and complementary strengths drive innovation that benefits everyone. Simulation techniques can be the bridge that connects our industrial engineering communities across continents.”