NNPC Board Chairman declares 2022 OTC Nigerian pavilion open
*Lauds Nigerians turnout
*Petroleum Minister, NNPC GMD absent
By Emeka Ugwuanyi Houston, Texas
Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Senator Margrey Chuba-Okadigbo, on Monday, declared open the Nigerian Pavilion at the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), currently ongoing in Houston, Texas, United States.
Chuba-Okadigbo commended Nigerian delegation while declaring the Nigerian pavilion open .
She expressed excitement, stressing that it was a thing of joy and pride that Nigeria is well represented at the conference.
The Business Intelligence Africa (TBI Africa) reports that the absence of both Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva and the Group Managing Director of NNPC limited, Malam Mele Kolo Kyari impacted on the official opening ceremony of Nigerian pavillion.
For the Nigerian delegation, the OTC 2022 conference which holds between May 2 and May 5 with the theme “Energy Transition and the Future of Africa” is organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
The conference is a platform where energy professionals across the globe meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources.
Okadigbo said: “I am delighted to declare this exhibition open. Again, it’s a thing of joy and pride to see you Nigerians well represented at this conference.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of PETAN, Mr Nicolas Odinuwe, said the theme of this year OTC PETAN was carefully chosen to “reflect the current realities in African oil and gas.”
Odinuwe called on the Nigerian oil and gas industry leaders to continue to echo PETAN’s calls to deepen Nigerian content as always and implore NNPC limited board and others to indulge the association.
According to him, “OTC means different things to different people. But thanks to PETAN’S focused participations.
” PETAN and Nigeria have built capacities, capabilities and visibility. PETAN has been the host of the Nigerian pavilion for over 15 years.
“And we have been fully supported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (now NNPC Limited) which is in transition.
“We are here to continue to propagate, advocate and advance technology that has led to Nigeria being the only country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a robust exploration and production service industry, ” he said.
The Chairman said that OTC gives attendees access to leading-edge technical information, the industry’s largest equipment exhibition, and valuable new professional contacts from around the world.
He said: “The benefits of the OTC 2022 event includes showcasing companies’ capabilities to over 1,000 delegates and over 250 companies in the oil and gas Industry.
“Also to give exhibitors the chance to promote their products and services to operators and contractors in the local region.
“Other benefits include gaining access by organisations to the latest industry news, a presence at one of the world’s largest oil and gas events and access to networking opportunities with professionals from across the world.
“Networking with the upstream, midstream and downstream organisations as well as high profile government officials and key decision makers in the industry.
“The conference will give participants the opportunity to build and establish new leads as well as entrenching a global presence in the industry.
“It will enable them get familiar with competitors’ capabilities to stay ahead in the industry,” he added.
Odinuwe said that PETAN has been responsible for leading and hosting the Nigerian Government’s agencies and stakeholders, oil and gas companies and Nigerian investors at the prestigious OTC every year.
He, however, stated that among the reasons for attending OTC is to deliver a unique experience for exhibitors and delegates to interact with global professionals as they share their insights on technological advances, energy transition, safety, environmentally focused solutions, and economic and regulatory impacts of the offshore energy sector.
“This also gives organisations an opportunity to engage with world leaders, CEOs, and government officials from around the world.
” Organisations’ attendance will create a chance to develop business relationships and tap into emerging regions that are vital to offshore development as well as obtaining recognition necessary for growth and visibility to thousands across the globe.
“At the OTC 2019, Nigeria had the fifth largest representation of over 60 participating countries.
“The value of participating organizations’ presence cannot be overestimated as they stand a chance to project their activities to investors and stakeholders spanning different countries.
“The event will feature, among others, the formal Opening of the Nigerian Exhibition Pavilion in the NRG Park; the Luncheon and Panel Sessions on the Nigerian Energy and supportive industries; the Nigerian Industry Awards Dinner and Cocktail; Side shows of Nigerian culture displays and entertainment; Technical Sessions and Networking Golf Event,” he said.
PETAN is an association of indigenous Technical Oilfield Service Companies that has been responsible for leading and hosting the Nigerian delegation to the event annually.
