Oando Receives NIPetE Officials, Says Localisation Key to Global Competitiveness

Oando, a leading African energy solutions company, recently welcomed officials from the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NIPetE) to its Lagos headquarters. This significant engagement underscored a shared commitment to advancing local capacity development, fostering technology adoption, and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness on the global stage. The central theme, powerfully articulated by Oando Energy Resources Managing Director Dr. Alex Irune, was that "globalisation is localisation" – a potent reminder that true global standing is built upon robust domestic capabilities.

“

globalisation is localisation.

The discussions provided a vital platform for both Oando and NIPetE to explore collaborative opportunities and to analyze the evolving dynamics of the global energy landscape. A key focus was how Nigeria can fortify its engineering ecosystem in the face of a growing international emphasis on self-sufficiency and value retention within national economies. Irune rightly pointed out that leading economies are increasingly investing in their own technological infrastructure and data capabilities to build resilience, asserting that "Countries that build their own capacity will have the advantage."

This philosophy directly informs Oando's operational approach. The company expressed its readiness to evaluate and test locally developed solutions, such as a promising reservoir simulation software, within its operational environment. Irune stated, "We are open to engaging with and testing locally developed solutions within our operations. If we rely on foreign solutions when we have local capability, we are sending value out of our economy." This stance reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian innovation is not only competitive and scalable but also adheres to stringent industry standards.

“

Countries that build their own capacity will have the advantage.

Beyond technological advancements, the meeting highlighted the critical need to strengthen Nigeria's engineering talent pipeline. Both Oando and NIPetE recognized the necessity of better aligning academic curricula with the evolving demands of the industry, especially with rapid advancements in data science, artificial intelligence, and computational capabilities. "There are changes happening globally at an accelerated pace," Irune observed. "We need to be deliberate about how we build our own capacity, from education to industry application."

“

We are open to engaging with and testing locally developed solutions within our operations. If we rely on foreign solutions when we have local capability, we are sending value out of our economy.

From our vantage point at ThisDay, this meeting signifies more than just a corporate visit; it represents a strategic alignment towards national self-reliance in a critical sector. While international coverage might frame this as a business development story, we see it as a crucial step in Nigeria's journey towards technological sovereignty and economic independence. The emphasis on "localisation" is not merely a buzzword; it is the bedrock upon which we can build sustainable growth, create high-value jobs, and ensure that the benefits of our natural resources translate into tangible progress for all Nigerians. This proactive approach by Oando and NIPetE is precisely the kind of forward-thinking leadership our nation needs.

“

There are changes happening globally at an accelerated pace. We need to be deliberate about how we build our own capacity, from education to industry application.