Following the recent incidents of oil spills and FPSO explosions on critical infrastructures in Nigeria, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has outlined strategies to safeguard critical infrastructures and boost the Nigerian Content in the oil and gas sector.
In an exclusive interview with The Energy Republic, the PETAN Chairman Mr. Nicolas C. Odinuwe stated that the Nigerian oil and gas industry has witnessed several attacks and incidents on critical infrastructures which are hindering the country’s industrial growth.
He said that these issues have become a major challenge in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and not much attention has been given to it to date.
“Adopting digital technologies will address the arising problems of cyberattacks on critical infrastructures, oil spills, oil theft, and FPSO explosions.
“Due to the volatility of oil and gas operations, closing the digital gap would help safeguard the country’s key economic infrastructures from diverse attacks and incidents,” a statement signed by Dr. Lucky Akhiwu, PETAN Publicity Secretary, quoted Odinuwe as saying.
Speaking on the Petroleum Industry Act, he noted that some Sections of the PIA addresses the agitations and militancy issues around host communities.
“The application of the law and management of the allocated funds needs to be monitored to address the environmental impact of oil and gas operations in host communities.
“The provisions of the PIA should be carefully implemented. To drive it, there must be continued consultations with all stakeholders on gray areas and because the law is far-reaching in its remit and complex, our judiciary should be involved to help interpret, understand, and apply the law to ensure proper management of funds such as the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) and others to protect the rights of all parties involved.
“PETAN remains committed to our sustained role in the process till we are happy that the law guarantees sustainable prosperity,” he added.
Nigerian Content
With the growing demand for local content development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has set a target to achieve 70% local content by 2027 on major oil and gas projects in the country. This development has created a new investment focus for the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria to develop strategies on strengthening the Nigerian Content to other sectors of the economy.
According to Odinuwe, “PETAN is revolutionizing Nigerian Content through the encouragement of research and development (R&D) in all sectors, especially in our tertiary institutions.
“We are training Nigerian youths to build capacities to solve the industry and society’s challenges.
“We are enhancing the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-focused courses.
“We are helping to improve access to funding and developing technological innovations, mentorship, and development of home-grown solutions.”
PETAN, in partnership with the NCDMB will lead the discussions on local content as part of the African Content Series during the sixth Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) to be hosted over three days from 22 – 24 February 2022 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
Speaking on the ongoing developments at SAIPEC 2022, PETAN Publicity Secretary, Dr. Lucky Akhiwu commented, “The Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) is a globally recognized platform that drives regional integration by helping countries across the sub-region to close the gaps and overcome divisions that stunt its economic growth.
“SAIPEC rides on the shared values of Africa’s common heritage in aspiring for an African Economic Community through strengthening sectoral cooperation.
“It is a conference of respected and seasoned like-minds. Our aim is to share ideas and brainstorm on strategies.
“We look forward to a highly stimulating, all-inclusive and successful event”.
SAIPEC is a sell-out event, hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria annually. The event features over 80 industry leaders and global experts on an insightful programme which is held alongside the sold-out exhibition with over 150 companies showcasing their products and services and generating meetings with thousands of invested industry professionals.
Over 4,000 attendees are expected to participate in total, from 36 countries, including 20 National Oil Companies from Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda, The Gambia, Gabon, Somaliland, Mauritania, Namibia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Ghana and Kenya.