By Ikenna Omeje

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), will lead discussions on local content at the sixth Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), which is scheduled to hold in Lagos from 22 – 24 February, 2022.

At this year’s conference, SAIPEC and NCDMB will be hosting SAIPEC African Content Series, a full day of strategic sessions, that will provide delegates with latest  on local content policies across African oil-producing countries and the opportunities that lie in their  successful implementation.

A statement by SAIPEC said that heads of NOCs, IOCs and independent and indigenous oil and gas companies will lead the collaborative discussions, including the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote;  Planning Department Director, ANPG, Alcides Fernandes Mendes de Andrade; SAIPEC Steering Committee & Vice Chairman, PETAN, Ranti Omole; Head of Local Content, INP, Natalia Camba; and Chairman, PETAN, MD Zitadel Limited and Executive Chairman, Global Lifting, Nicolas C. Odinuwe.

With the growing demand for local content development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, NCDMB has set a target to achieve 70 percent local content by 2027 on major oil and gas projects in the country and PETAN has created a new investment focus to develop strategies on strengthening the Nigerian Content to other sectors of the economy.

“PETAN is revolutionising Nigerian Content through the encouragement of research and development 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 and we are helping to improve access to funding and developing technological innovations, mentorship, and development of home-grown solutions,” said PETAN Chairman, Mr Nicolas Odinuwe.

Local content has always been at the nucleus of SAIPEC and with the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement now in full motion, the event is truly representative of the power of these partnerships with delegates participating from countries including Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda, The Gambia, Gabon, Somaliland, Mauritania, Namibia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Ghana and Kenya.

Speaking ahead of the conference, PETAN Publicity Secretary, Dr. Lucky Akhiwu said, “SAIPEC is a globally recognised platform that drives regional integration by helping countries across the sub-region to close the gaps and overcome divisions that stunt its economic growth.”

Continuing, he said,”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 2022 will feature over 80 industry leaders and global experts. The conference will hold alongside the sold-out exhibition with over 150 companies showcasing their products and services and generating meetings with thousands of invested industry professionals.

SAIPEC is hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), a leading organisation that represents oilfield services and technology companies operating across upstream through to downstream projects. PETAN is a leader in the promotion of innovative engineering and creative solutions, that help advance the petroleum industry both nationally and regionally.

Year on year, SAIPEC continues to address the needs of companies seeking to showcase their innovative solutions and new technologies, and to support the development of major new business and partnerships to benefit Sub Saharan Africa’s petroleum economy.