African petroleum operators are calling for deeper regional collaboration, harmonised policies, and more efficient project execution to unlock the continent’s energy potential and boost local content development.
The appeal came at the 10th Anniversary edition of the Sub-Saharan African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC 2026) in Lagos, which convened industry leaders under the theme, “Africa’s Local Content Collaboration Strategy.”
Speaking on a panel, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, Chairman of Oilserv Group, emphasised the urgent need for free movement of goods, services, and skilled professionals across African borders.
“One of the key points that should be raised with African Union leaders is to make business free — to allow free movement and cross-border collaboration,” Okwuosa said.
He also highlighted the importance of standardising energy policies across African nations to facilitate cross-border partnerships and investment.
“Nigeria already has policies in place. The next step is regional standardisation to ease collaboration and strengthen local content development,” he added.
Okwuosa pointed to Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Decade of Gas initiative as examples of executable frameworks capable of attracting investment and accelerating infrastructure growth. Oilserv has been a central player in delivering projects under these initiatives, he said.
The company’s portfolio includes some of Nigeria’s largest and most complex gas infrastructure projects, including:
- OB3 Gas Pipeline: A 124-kilometre, 48-inch pipeline — the largest in Nigeria — connected to one of the country’s biggest gas treatment plants, which currently processes 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
- Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline: A 40-inch by 304-kilometre pipeline, with design and construction phases completed in December 2025.
- Independent Power Plants: Gas pipelines for six IPPs, including the Geometric Power Plant commissioned in 2025, supporting industrialisation and energy supply.
- Lagos Infrastructure: Over 200 kilometres of gas pipelines installed across the city, serving commercial and industrial clients.
Okwuosa stressed that human capital and community collaboration are critical to successful project delivery.
“For the OB3 project, welding was a major component. We used manual welding systems while transferring skills and knowledge to local professionals,” he explained.
“Collaborating with host communities has created a conducive environment for operations, minimising disruptions and supporting sustainable project outcomes.”
The company has also adopted advanced technologies, such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), ensuring that local engineers gain globally relevant skills.
Oilserv is urging international oil companies and project owners to accelerate project approvals and support indigenous EPC firms:
“What we need is more jobs. Get your Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) on time and reduce contract cycles from one to three years to as short as six months,” Okwuosa said.
He commended TotalEnergies, NLNG, and Renaissance for their ongoing support in developing local engineering, procurement, and construction capacity.
Panelists at SAIPEC 2026 agreed that stronger regional integration, consistent policy frameworks, and timely project execution are vital for Africa to realise its hydrocarbon potential. Strengthening local companies and expanding regional markets, they said, could position African EPC firms as globally competitive players, driving both industrialisation and energy security across the continent.
“Africa has the resources and talent. What we need now is alignment — policy, regional collaboration, and efficient project delivery,” Okwuosa concluded.
