THE acquisition of technology is imperative to the achievement of local content in the petroleum industry, Prof Abiola Kehinde of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has said.
Speaking at a workshop for Learning Managers by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Kehinde of the Chemical Engineering Department of UNILAG,identified the various methods and strategies through which these technologies could be acquired in areas such as production, engineering, and transport.
Kehinde, who spoke on Expanding the frontiers of petroleum business in Nigeria through knowledge management and cutting edge research, reiterated that the only way to harness the vast business potential in the oil and gas industry is through a paradigm shift from the import supply mentality to development of indigenous technology through research and development and patronage of locally fabricated consumables.
He said: “Technological developments in the world, particularly in the later half of last century (1900) and the first decade of this century (2000) have been taking place at such a pace that it is not possible for an industrial enterprise to survive if it does not modernise, expand or add new product lines to its existing business activities. i.e. diversify. Examples include multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria such as Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil etc.
In a communiqué, participants who included experts from the industry, noted that the creation of synergies between players in the sector and the institute could lead to their improved performance, achievement of competitive advantage and innovation.
It urged the various oil companies to collaborate with PTI to forge synergies to optimise the utilisation of the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities provided by PTDF for technical research and development of appropriate solutions to the contemporary challenges of the industry. It observed that security for potential investors posed one of the greatest challenges to the harnessing of the tremendous business potential that abound in the industry. It urged the Federal Government to address the issue and expedite the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to enable potential investors to exploit investment opportunities in the Industry.
The workshop challenged the institute to establish an innovation and production centre to manufacture products and offer services to the needs of the industry. It observed that technical ideas and innovative concepts could be gleaned from collaboration between PTI and operators.
Participants recommended the initiation of local production of drilling equipment /fluids; research on design and fabrication of drilling bits and drilling mud; local fabrication of bolts and nuts, government legislation that encourage the production of local components for use in the industry; collaboration between the academia and the industry, retired experts to be recalled to impart knowledge of the industry in the institute, mentoring /coaching/teamwork programmes and construction and operation of mini-refineries to serve the teeming demand of petroleum products.
