March 29, 2024

PETAN, African local content bodies set to launch oil, gas business e-platform

Oredola Adeola

As part of ways to harness and sustain the sub-Saharan energy market, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and African Local Content agencies have revealed the plan to launch an African local content oil and gas business e-platform later in the year.

Nicolas Odinuwe, PETAN Chairman made this known in his speech at the 7th Edition of the sub-Saharan international conference and exhibition (SAIPEC) 2023, in Lagos.

According to him, the local content business e-platform would serve as a one-stop collation of available opportunities, capacities, and capabilities within the sub-Sahara, currently being developed by the local content associations and will be launched by the third (3) quarter 2023.

He also revealed the plan by PETAN to collaborate with Welding Federation (TWF) on an integrated one-skill passport for welding and related practices as well as partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) for the establishment of the African local content funding.

He further noted that the PETAN Seal of quality (PSQ) launched a few years ago, is being expanded to be industry inclusive in partnership with NCDMB and relevant stakeholders.

Odinuwe noted that the collaboration on the PETAN Seal of quality (PSQ) has also been extended to Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, Angola, Guyana etc.

He also charged the African Union to use the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to consider a unified and integrated African certification/standard as practiced in America, European Union, Britain.

The PETAN Chairman said, “We should seriously consider eliminating multiple certifications domiciled outside our sphere and the associated huge foreign exchange impact. (An indirect and continued colonial vestige).

“These institutions outside Africa (supported by their governments) have made our respective standardization agencies confined to just names.”

He added that the Welding Federation (TWF) personnel certifications and skill passports are steps in the right direction.

Odinuwe said, “Human Capacity Development is very fundamental in the growth of any economy and local content.  As technology is evolving, it is important to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills through training and retraining.

 

“As we look to the future, we face significant challenges in the ways energy is produced and consumed, including the effects of geopolitical instability, poverty and energy poverty, economic uncertainties, and the climate songs.

“As private sector & Service companies, we must continually commit to finding collaborative innovative solutions and work with our stakeholders and partners to ensure sustainable and secure energy solutions & supply.

He further noted that SAIPEC continues to place its emphasis on the future of the energy, oil, and gas industry through Sub-Saharan Africa with collaboration at the forefront of its objective and local content at its nucleus.

The PETAN Chairman however noted that requirements for energy in a time such as this is immense and increasing. He said there are new issues and opportunities across the globe especially as it affects the oil and gas industry, adding that industry players need to chart a way forward on Energy Availability, Energy Security, Energy Sustainability and Affordability within the continent.