Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has encouraged Nigerian oil and gas service companies to leverage their skills in the deepwater sector.

During a visit to West African Ventures Nigeria Limited’s facilities at the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Rivers State, he highlighted the need for local firms to move beyond traditional onshore work as global oil companies shift their focus to deepwater operations. Ogbe praised WAV’s contribution to the industry, noting its capabilities in handling complex offshore projects and its impressive infrastructure, including a 50mm rolling mill and ocean-going vessels. He emphasized the importance of competitive bidding for contracts. He reaffirmed the NCDMB’s commitment to transparency, asserting that Nigerian firms possess the necessary technical expertise to compete with international contractors in deepwater projects.

Ogbe stated that all contracts in the oil and gas sector are given out through a competitive bidding process. He confirmed the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB) dedication to being transparent and professional, stressing that Nigerian companies have the expertise and experience to effectively compete with international companies in deepwater projects.

In his response, Michael Amaeshike, the Managing Director of West African Ventures (WAV), highlighted that the company’s vast experience spanning more than 40 years demonstrates Nigeria’s strong potential in oil and gas services. He said that WAV has executed major projects and has positively impacted the careers of many professionals in areas like engineering, maritime, procurement, and construction.

“West African Ventures truly showcases local talent as it should be,” Amaeshike said. He added that the company has recently wrapped up a major project for an operator in a small oil field, proving its capability to tackle complex challenges in the industry.

Chimeziri Onwukwe, WAV’s Fabrication Manager, gave a summary of the company’s work, which includes constructing platforms, jackets, modules, tanks, and other essential structures for the oil and gas industry. He emphasized that WAV’s operations benefit from cutting-edge technology and an offshore base that aids logistics and marine transport.

Nonetheless, Onwukwe expressed his concerns that, despite the substantial investments and robust history of the company, they have not garnered sufficient support from industry stakeholders. He called upon the NCDMB to assist in promoting WAV’s capabilities to attract more projects.

The head of the NCDMB assured WAV that the board remains dedicated to supporting indigenous companies with established expertise, particularly as Nigeria aims to enhance local participation in high-value deepwater operations.

He emphasized that firms like WAV, which have developed their skills over many years, are ideally suited to assume greater responsibilities as the industry progresses.

As Nigeria’s oil sector encounters increasing pressure to boost production and draw in investments, stakeholders believe that a more robust engagement in the deepwater sector, with improved local involvement, could create new avenues for growth in the country’s economy. For WAV, the renewed interest from the NCDMB presents a chance to solidify its standing as one of Nigeria’s leading oil and gas service providers, poised to compete on the international stage.