As part of their curriculum, Master’s students in Urban Logistics and Transport Policy from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) embarked on a recent field trip to Shell Nigeria. This visit provided valuable insights into the company’s logistics operations, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.
At Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) headquarters in Marina, Lagos, the students were welcomed by Mr. Tajudeen Adebayo, Head Logistics at SNEPCo. He offered a captivating overview, revealing that Shell’s roots lie in logistics, operating as “Shell Transport and Trading Company” before becoming known primarily as an integrated energy company. Adebayo emphasised the crucial role logistics plays in any organisation’s success, particularly within the oil and gas industry. He highlighted how logistics spearheads Shell’s presence at new locations and remains the last department to depart.
Demonstrating Shell’s commitment to safety, Adebayo underscored the company’s pursuit of “Goal Zero” meaning no tolerance for incidents and accidents across all Shell operations. He attributed the company’s success to a culture of discipline instilled throughout the organisation.
The students learnt about Shell’s diverse logistics operations, encompassing land transport, maritime, aviation, and waste management. Adebayo also shed light on some of the key logistics challenges that Shell faces in Nigeria.
Thereafter, Captain Kabir Kasim delved into Shell’s aviation activities, while Captain OlakunleMuraina and KokoriAjurenmisan provided detailed explanations of marine and land-based logistics, respectively.
Mrs. ElohorAiboni, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Managing Director of SNEPCo, emphasised the significant impact logistics has on operational costs. Elohor represented by the company’s Asset Manager and Business Opportunity Manager, Deepwater Non-Operated Ventures, Mrs. IbiyemiAsaolu, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with UNILAG’s Urban and Regional Planning Department.
One of the visiting students, Pedro Akinnubi Damilola, described the field trip as highly productive, offering valuable first-hand exposure to logistics operations in a multinational company operating within one of the nation’s busiest ports. He commended the interactive learning sessions, allowing ample opportunity for questions, discussions, and clarifications.
Damilola highlighted the wide range of logistics areas covered, spanning from inventory and supply chain management to transportation, warehousing, inbound and outbound logistics, and information control. He appreciated the opportunity to witness logistics practices aligned with global best practices.
Programme Coordinator and lecturer in UNILAG’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Dr. Olayinka Agunloye, explained the field trip’s purpose: to provide final-year postgraduate students with firsthand experience in supply chain, logistics, and transport operations. This experience bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, preparing the Master of Urban Logistics and Transport Policy students for their future careers. Agunloye expressed their hope to foster stronger relationships with companies like Shell, facilitating future collaborations and engagement opportunities.
