Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, the operator of the OML30 assets for the Joint Venture between the Nigeria National Petroleum Company E&P Limited and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited, recently hosted a comprehensive capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering indigenous contractors.
The PUNCH reported that the event took place at Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Delta State, on Tuesday, attracting a significant turnout of registered contractors from various clusters associated with OML30.
The General Manager of Government, Joint Venture, and External Relations at HEOSL, Sola Adebawo, addressed the assembly, highlighting the crucial role contractors play in the company’s operations.
Represented by Felix Usiwo, the Manager of Nigeria Content Department, Adebawo stated that the workshop was “in recognition of the vital roles the contractors are playing in the company’s operations.”
The workshop was specifically designed to equip indigenous contractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of procurement and contracting within the oil and gas sector.
Adebawo elaborated that this initiative aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, which emphasizes local content as an essential aspect of project development and execution.
He reiterated the organization’s commitment to valuing the contributions of local community vendors in enhancing operational excellence, emphasizing that “efforts in fostering peace, understanding and development between the asset and communities have been instrumental to our collective successes.”
In a similar vein, HEOSL’s Manager of Community Relations, Dr. Jeremiah Oharisi, reinforced the company’s policy aimed at promoting local contractors’ participation.
He emphasized that such strategies are vital for creating wealth and empowerment within the communities, while also nurturing expertise and capacity.
The resource delivery session commenced with Engr. Mabel Obonin from the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, who guided participants through the intricacies of the contracting and tendering process as outlined by the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, and the NCDMB mandate. Obonin meticulously walked the contractors through various contractual stages, including opportunity assessment, technical and commercial evaluations, award recommendations, and tender administration.
She also addressed essential topics such as registration with relevant regulatory bodies, monitoring and evaluation services, vendor categorization, capacity building, and funding structures.
Additional insights were provided by other resource persons, including Mr. Echerebor Solomon, HEOSL’s Manager of Contract and Procurement, who discussed vendor selection and tendering processes, along with the importance of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Nigerian Petroleum Exchange.
The Head of HEOSL Internal Audit and Control, Mrs. Ebehi Odejobi, elaborated on the company’s commitment to integrity and the necessity for all stakeholders to adhere to established rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Babatunde Yusuf and Mr. Ezekiel Oghenekaro from the HEOSL Finance Department shared vital information regarding contractual payments and associated procedures.
The workshop also featured goodwill messages from OML30 Joint Venture Partners.
Mr. Oghenero Omowara delivered a message on behalf of NEPL’s Manager of Community Relations Department, Alhaji Dahiru Abubakar, while Barr. Abasiama Umohatah conveyed the message from SNRL’s General Counsel/General Manager of External Communications, Mrs. Lara Coker.
Additionally, representatives from the NCDMB contributed to the event, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
Through initiatives like this workshop, HEOSL continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering local content development and enhancing the capabilities of indigenous contractors in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
