Lokpobiri applauds Lee Engineering Group’s contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector at OTC 2024
Adewale Akintaro
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has lauded the development milestones being made by Lee Engineering Group, a leading Nigerian integrated energy firm, describing the company as a beacon of hope and leading light in the oil and gas industry.
Lokpobiri said this when he visited the exhibition stand of Lee Engineering Group, at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, USA.
Having been briefed on the successful ongoing gigantic, next-generation production facility in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, the Minister pledged to undertake an official visit to the company’s project site in Nigeria.
“Lee Engineering & Construction Company Ltd., is a shining example of what Nigerians can accomplish and I commend the company for their outstanding achievements. I look forward to witnessing firsthand the impact of their initiatives. We are proud of you.”
As the Minister toured the exhibition stand of Lee Engineering Group at OTC 2024 its Business Development Relations/Strategy, Engr. Ozah Onosetale, showcased its innovative projects at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, detailing on the company’s and Nigeria’s first modular Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) extraction plant, alongside gas fired 20 MW capacity power generation facilities. This initiative, according to the chief operating officer, has not only bolstered energy security but will also catalyze the comprehensive development of the region.
However, the Executive Chairman Lee Engineering Group Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea, assured of readiness of the indigenous firms to take over assets of divested International Oil Companies, IOCs.
According to him, “Indeed, following the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment to the Nigerian Local Content Act, which seeks to promote indigenous technological capabilities in the oil and gas sector, Lee Engineering is currently building a gigantic, next-generation production facility in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria and to be commissioned soon. The facility has an installed capacity to manufacture high volume industry equipment such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, process skids, tanks and other oil and gas tools that would help transform the industry. The investment in the gigantic fabrication facility is estimated to be to be worth over 200 million dollars.
“However, there is need for the continuous government support and incentives to drive these needed objective for indigenous operators which would in return discourage capital flight and strengthen the country’s currency for profitability and economy recovery.”
On its operation and expectations, Ikpea noted that “We have been engaged in so many projects as we are operating in the leagues of multinationals when it comes to standards in operation.
“We saw the needs and gap in the industry and then opt to bridge that gap by expanding our business operations. We are setting out to rectify some of the shortcomings in the industry.
“Its not new for us in the OTC, we are here to showcase our expertise and tell the world that we are ready to take over and perform the necessary and needed development in the industry.
“Before now, companies rely on IOCs for technical competence but that is not the case as we are on the verge of completing our manufacturing arm of the group.”
