The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has praised the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) training centre established by Caverton Helicopters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
During his tour of the facility, the minister observed that the level of investment in the centre is on par with those in developed countries.
He pointed out that this investment not only distinguishes Caverton as a focused and forward-thinking organisation but also highlights its commitment to making Nigeria proud by excelling as an indigenous aviation company specialising in MRO services and training.
Lokpobiri, who visited the facility to “see things for himself,” described it as a leading centre for training pilots both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“I have visited training centres abroad, and I can confidently say that Caverton stands out. Caverton is a trailblazer. I am delighted to be here today and want to formally congratulate you. It is also wonderful to hear that you have trained pilots who are now successfully employed abroad,” the minister remarked.
He further assured Caverton of the government’s support in ensuring the success of their partnership, and commended the company for its excellent safety record, citing zero casualties.
In his address, the Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Aderemi Makanjuola, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit to the training hub.
Makanjuola stated: “Everything from training to maintenance is processed here. We are a proudly Nigerian company whose achievements have continued to attract attention. We are constantly evolving and incorporating cutting-edge technology. We look forward to engaging with you and discussing how we can collectively contribute to the success and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
Similarly, Olabode Makanjuola, the Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, highlighted the company’s crucial role in both Nigeria’s aviation and oil and gas sectors.
“As a subsidiary of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Caverton Helicopters has established itself as a key indigenous player in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Our dedication to excellence, safety, and reliability has enabled us to capture over 70 percent of the market share, positioning us as a leading provider of logistics support to the oil and gas sector. We are proud to work with esteemed partners such as Shell, Chevron, Total, NAOC, and NNPC, and are committed to continuing this legacy of collaboration,” he stated.
Makanjuola acknowledged the ambitious target set by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to increase Nigeria’s oil production to two million barrels per day, noting that achieving this goal requires efficient logistics solutions, particularly in offshore helicopter services, which the MRO training facility supports.
“As we work to expand our capabilities, we are eager to collaborate with the Ministry of Petroleum and agencies like the NCDMB. Together, we can develop a strong framework that meets the growing demands of the oil and gas sector while reinforcing our position as a premier service provider in the region. This will also promote local content participation and development.”
He also shared plans for a strategic investment drive in the coming months, aimed at attracting new investors and enhancing operational capacities, which he sees as crucial for both the company’s growth and the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“We believe that by partnering with the government and industry stakeholders, we can tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that await. Your presence here today demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy sector, and we look forward to fruitful collaboration,” he concluded.