NCDMB lauds PETAN for impact on oil, gas sector
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has lauded the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) for its transformative impact on the oil and gas industry.
Speaking at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Association, in Lagos with the theme: ‘Navigating the Next’, he said the association through stakeholder engagements and strident advocacy played a crucial role in the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, Ogbe admitted that the association was helpful in ensuring the passage of the NOGICD Act.
“It was therefore not surprising that you got a front row seat in the NCDMB as a statutory Governing Council member, NCDMB is grateful,” he said. According to Ogbe, PETAN was formed to bring together the Nigerian oil and gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with major operators and policy makers.
“This 30th anniversary, though celebratory, is an opportunity for PETAN and the government to share ideas that will move the industry forward for the benefit of Nigeria. It is against this background that I wish to acknowledge the role PETAN has played, which has transformed Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“With a current membership of over 100, serving more than 20 industries, and over $500 million in annual revenue by your members, your strategic importance to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
“For over three decades, PETAN has remained a beacon of innovation and unwavering commitment to the growth of indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector. PETAN’s contributions to promoting local content and enhancing capacity building have been truly remarkable. Your tireless efforts have bolstered the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and elevated our country’s standing in the global energy industry,” he said.
Ogbe said the anniversaries were not only a time for celebration, but also a time for deep reflection. “While PETAN has achieved much, the road ahead presents new challenges that require us to continuously evaluate and adapt”.Related News
On how to navigate the next, the Executive Secretary said that PETAN’s leadership would be greatly amplified and its collective impact felt more in the society in the support and mentorship of new and upcoming countries in the oil and gas industry.
Ogbe said: “It’s very important that you mentor new companies that aspire to become PETAN members. While PETAN has done commendable work in creating a platform for indigenous companies to thrive, there is an increasing need to assist emerging companies in navigating the complexities of this highly competitive sector”, this could be achieved by establishing mentorship programs, he added.
He said that PETAN members could mentor new entrants by sharing industry insights and best practices to accelerate their growth. Another way to achieve this is by creating access to funds, he stated. According to Ogbe PETAN as an organisation could create a PETAN Startup Fund consisting majorly of contributions from members.
“As we look to the future, it is evident that the strength and sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry rests not only on the businesses we build, but also on the people we empower. Our engineers and professionals form the backbone of this sector,” he said.
Ogbe therefore proposed that the envisioned PETAN Startup Fund should be strategically utilised for the training of engineers and other professionals.
According to him, the initiative would send a powerful message that PETAN is deeply involved in investing in an exclusive future for the oil and gas industry.
“As we look to the next 30 years, I challenge PETAN to lead the charge in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive oil and gas sector by fostering greater collaboration and assisting emergence of new companies. PETAN can continue to be a formidable force in Nigeria’s industrial evolution”, he stated.
Pledging the unwavering support for PETAN’s mission, Ogbe said: “Together, we will continue to advance the ideals of local content, drive innovation, and create a more prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
