In a bold celebration of scientific excellence and global impact, City People proudly presents Daniel Isong, one of the brightest stars from Nigeria, with the 2022 Outstanding Talent STEM Award, recognising his pioneering role in offshore drilling innovation, well engineering, and environmentally conscious energy solutions.
Hosted annually by City People Magazine, Nigeria’s most recognisable lifestyle and innovation publication, the Outstanding Talents Awards celebrate individuals whose work redefines industry benchmarks and contributes meaningfully to the national and regional transformation agenda. The 2022 STEM category was among the most fiercely contested, drawing over 100,000 nominations from technologists, engineers, and researchers across the globe. Daniel Isong emerges as a standout contributor to petroleum engineering, drilling operations, and engineering safety. His distinguished career spans deepwater exploration, advanced drilling techniques, and technology-enabled risk mitigation, with projects impacting the Nigerian and international energy sectors.
With over a decade of professional experience, ranging from shallow offshore to high-risk deepwater drilling, Daniel currently serves as a Drilling and Workover Advisor with Saudi Aramco, where he oversees complex operations in the Northern Area’s offshore fields. He supervises startup rig deployments, mentors engineering crews, and ensures safe, efficient delivery of critical wells.
“Daniel Isong represents the next generation of STEM leaders—those who bridge innovation, energy security, and sustainability,” says Wale Lawal, Senior Editor at City People. “His field work and research are influencing global best practices.”
Daniel Isong is an outstanding STEM professional whose achievements are grounded in both technical excellence and operational impact. Before 2022, he had successfully executed and supervised drilling operations across multiple terrains, including deepwater wells in water depths over 7,000 feet. His work spans across rig-based, jack-up, semi-submersible, and 6th-generation drillship operations, demonstrating a mastery of complex offshore engineering environments.
He plays a central role in well planning, execution, and post-operation evaluations, applying real-time monitoring systems, intelligent well control principles, and safe drilling practices. His experience with high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells and extended-reach drilling has contributed to the development of more efficient and safer offshore operations in both Nigerian and international waters.
While working with ExxonMobil Nigeria, Daniel led the planning and execution of several critical workover and re-entry projects, managing contractor interface, equipment logistics, and ensuring zero-LTI (Lost Time Injury) performance during well completions. At Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy, he supervised the successful drilling of multiple exploration wells, optimising mud programs and reducing non-productive time.
He is IWCF Level 4 certified, an approved IWCF instructor, and recognised for raising safety standards across training centres and field operations. His leadership in well control and his deep technical knowledge make him a go-to authority in operational decision-making.
“STEM is not just a field of study—it is a driver of transformation,” Daniel tells City People. “Through advanced drilling technologies, enhanced operational safety systems, and sustainable designs, I’m committed to powering Nigeria’s energy future responsibly and efficiently.”
Driving Impact Through Research, Innovation, and Policy
Daniel holds an MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering from Robert Gordon University, Scotland, and a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria. His academic and technical background provides the foundation for a practice-driven, solution-focused engineering approach.
Prior to 2022, he contributed to thought leadership through papers and presentations on offshore drilling optimisation, well integrity assurance, and the integration of emerging technologies into rig safety protocols. His focus is consistently on designing safer, more efficient drilling programs and advising energy firms on best practices.
Daniel is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He holds full professional registration with COREN and is an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
He is committed to developing the next generation of engineering professionals, delivering technical training, IWCF certification preparation, and mentorship sessions for young engineers pursuing careers in energy, safety, and offshore operations.
From managing critical rig operations to strengthening Nigeria’s technical capacity in energy, Daniel Isong continues to shape how STEM professionals deliver solutions in real-world, high-stakes environments.
City People proudly celebrates a visionary who brings engineering excellence to the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation.
Daniel Isong is not just drilling wells—he is engineering a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future
