Westfield at NOG Energy Week 2024

Westfield Energy recently participated in the NOG Energy Week 2024, a significant gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector. As an exhibitor, Westfield Energy showcased its capabilities in Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI), demonstrating its commitment to driving local content in Nigeria’s energy industry. 

Panel Session Recap

A key highlight of the week was the panel session titled “Exportation of Local Capacity: Maximizing Regional Opportunities,” where our Managing Director, Henry Okolie-Aboh shared some critical insights. During the session, moderated by George Onafowokan, Managing Director of Coleman Cables & Wires, industry leaders, including Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (Chairman, Nestoil Limited), Abdulmalik Halilu (Director Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB), Olusegun Olutayo (Senior Trade Policy & Law Expert and Lead Trade Enablement, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office), and Nadeem Hashmi (Group Executive, Energy & New Business, Oilserv Group), explored how Nigeria can position itself as a hub of excellence in the oil and gas industry by leveraging local capacity and expertise to meet global standards.

Addressing the question of how Nigeria can position itself as a center of excellence, showcasing services and expertise that meet global standards, Henry Okolie-Aboh, Managing Director of Westfield Energy, emphasized that while the Nigerian oil and gas industry is evolving and facing challenges, significant progress has been made. He stressed the need for continuity in local capacity development, cautioning against outsourcing projects that could be executed domestically.

“A lot of capacity has already been built in this country,” he noted, urging stakeholders to focus on improving local execution capabilities. He acknowledged the difficulties but stressed that Nigeria has developed substantial expertise in areas where neighboring countries remain dependent on foreign contractors.

Henry Okolie-Aboh also advised the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the government to maintain policies that support the growth of local industries. He advocated for continuous efforts to execute projects on time, within budget, and to international quality standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Local Capacity Is Growing: Henry Okolie-Aboh reinforced the idea that Nigeria has made strides in building local capacity, and that the country is a leader in the region when it comes to executing complex projects independently.

• Staying the Course: He called for sustained commitment to Nigerian capacity-building efforts, despite challenges, and warned against outsourcing projects overseas that could be done locally.

• Global Competitiveness: By delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, Nigerian companies will not only serve domestic needs but will also be well-positioned to export their services regionally and internationally.

Conclusion: 

Westfield Energy’s participation in NOG Energy Week 2024 highlighted our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through local content. Mr. Henry Okolie-Aboh’s insights at the panel discussion reinforced the importance of building on Nigeria’s strengths and ensuring that local expertise continues to thrive. As Westfield Energy prepares for upcoming projects both locally and internationally, we remain focused on delivering excellence in line with our vision of driving energy solutions across borders.