Fourth edition of the Sub Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) was held in Lagos and it was hosted by foremost Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
Although, as the event suggests, it was an opportunity to showcase the technological aspect of the oil industry. Operators across the continent attended the event as they dissected issues, challenges and proffer solutions in various panel sessions for the oil industry.
The climax of SAIPEC was the awards night of which oil exploration, gas, service and power companies were given awards for their outstanding contributions to the energy sector.
The SAIPEC awards was held for the first time since the inception of the event and it has become imperative to continuously showcase what awardees do and deserved to be recognised for their developmental initiatives.
Selecting the winner of the awards, it is known that technology in all its forms is an exciting part of the oil and gas industry. It is the frontiers where new and better solutions are constantly being devised.
In presenting the awards, breakthrough technological project of the year was awarded to Wartsila, a power company. The company did some recent project in Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, South Africa among other countries.
Country Managing Director of Wartsila, Mr. Wale Yusuf, appreciated the award including what the company has done that it will spur the 185 years old company to continue to do more and give its best for the sector. The Finish (Finland) company is operating in energy and maritime sectors. Yusuf was elated that Wartsila efforts has been rewarded.
There was an award of social responsibility contribution and in-country value project for 2020. The basis for the selection had to with social contribution and in-country value project which have become a key priority for both government and industry players as a means of maximizing the benefits to be gained from petroleum industry through creating employment, local skills and capacities collaborating with local suppliers and sub-contractors, enhancing entrepreneurship on all sides projects.
The award was won by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). NLNG was presented the award for continuously involving in projects opportunities, job creation and in-country value of its 6th Train and awarding of Train 7 in 2019.
For the Sub Saharan breakthrough service company of the year. This recognises the company’s importance in Africa Local Content in terms of culture and environment. Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited won the award.
The Sub Saharan national oil company of the year. This looked at the overall perspective as an industry benchmark for excellence. It considered the significance mark of opportunities for projects as created and adhering time frame provided investors and including value chain alike. It recognises the strength of industry partnership, creation of collaboration and development of partnership as well. The winner was ENH, national oil company of Mozambique.
This is attributed to the massive work in Mozambique, creation of job opportunities in the sector and restoration of its downstream, awarding of EPC contracts including mega projects worth millions of dollars and enhancement of Local Content throughout the value chain.
The Sub Saharan African Executive of 2020 award looked at the individual performance through reputation, industry innovation, contribution added to the local community and positive impacts it will have in their lives for many years. It recognises the strength of the individual’s creation of partnership and leadership. It was awarded to Mr. Omar Mitha from Mozambique. Mitha received the award owing to his leadership, guidance of ENH and ability to attract the world’s super oil major service companies and the whole oil and gas value chain. He has taken Mozambique to greater heights in the oil and gas industry in Africa.
With regards to Sub Saharan Africa Project of the year, the award recognises large and complex project that has been delivered in highest standard and superior performance of project management practices. It also recognises the amount of opportunities the project has created, strength of industry partnership, top value creation, in-country and experience of employees.
Total E&P won the award, the company’s Egina project which created job opportunities and in-country contributions to Local Content, is a boost to the oil industry in Nigeria and Africa.
Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), had long standing support for PETAN in the past 10 years. NCDMB set a standard in what it does for the oil and gas industry by uplifting Local Content in the country. It got an award for being a shining light for the industry.
No doubt, the SAIPEC awards will reverberate in the minds of oil and gas industry operators in Nigeria. Indeed, it was a night of many awards with scintillating joy as recipients were in jubilant mood.
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