Abuja: Stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have called for increased adoption of new technologies and sustained investment in human capacity development to improve operational efficiency and drive economic growth. They made the call on Thursday during a strategic panel session on ‘Driving Energy Innovation: Technology-Powered Pathways for Oil and Gas’ at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chairman of Oilserv Group, Dr Emeka Okwuosa, emphasized that technology adoption must enhance speed, safety, and sustainability across engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) operations. Represented by the company’s Group Business Development and Commercial Manager, Mr Cheta Okwuosa, he highlighted the necessity of developing indigenous manpower capable of deploying and managing advanced technologies. He noted that Oilserv had transitioned from manual to semi-automatic and fully automated systems, achieving significant efficiency gains on projects such as the OB3 and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline. Furthermore, the company has deployed artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems for leak detection, intrusion detection, and remote monitoring to support gas commercialization.
Also speaking, Managing Director of GIL Group, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, urged operators to embrace data-driven innovation by replacing outdated analogue processes with modern technologies. Lawal stressed the importance of continuous training and workforce empowerment to improve profitability and competitiveness within the industry.
Mr Atiemoria Ebhodaghe, Lead Strategic Consultant at Acepontis Ltd., noted that the adoption of advanced technologies among marine logistics operators remains uneven due to financial constraints. He explained that while international oil companies and leading vessel owners have adopted technologies like dynamic positioning systems, remote vessel data exchange, and automated fuel optimization to enhance safety and efficiency, many indigenous marine operators struggle to invest in sensor-based technologies and satellite monitoring due to high costs. This situation has led to a two-tier market, where technologically advanced fleets secure long-term offshore contracts, while older vessels vie for short-term jobs with higher operating costs. Ebhodaghe added that AI-powered predictive maintenance aids operators in detecting engine and equipment faults before breakdowns, thus minimizing vessel downtime and ensuring timely delivery of offshore drilling and production projects.