The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has emphasised the need to strengthen indigenous technical capacity, expand opportunities for Nigerian oilfield service companies and improve skills development as the country seeks to advance its oil and gas industry.
The association also stressed the importance of constructive engagement and independent media scrutiny in addressing the challenges confronting the petroleum sector.
PETAN Publicity Secretary, Dr Joan Faluyi, made this known on Monday during the association’s media roundtable held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, themed, ‘The State of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities and Challenges,’ Faluyi said discussions about the future of the sector must take into account the experiences of indigenous companies and professionals directly involved in petroleum operations.
She explained that investment plans and policy ambitions could only translate into meaningful industry activities through the availability of skilled personnel, equipment, technical expertise and supporting services.
According to her, Nigerian technical capability must remain an integral part of conversations about the industry’s growth and long-term development.
Faluyi noted that indigenous capacity goes beyond the participation of local companies in petroleum operations, extending to engineers solving technical problems, technicians maintaining critical equipment, fabricators meeting industry standards and young professionals acquiring practical experience.
She also drew attention to indigenous entrepreneurs investing in facilities, developing their workforce and delivering technical services safely, reliably and competitively.
The PETAN spokesperson said the opportunities and challenges facing these businesses deserve greater consideration because their ability to expand has implications for employment, skills development and the economic value Nigeria retains from its petroleum resources.
She raised concerns about how investments in the sector could translate into greater opportunities for capable Nigerian companies, particularly in strengthening their technical expertise and ability to compete on quality.
Faluyi also identified practical training and industry experience for young Nigerians as important issues requiring attention.
She said discussions around these challenges should be guided by evidence and an understanding of the realities confronting businesses operating in the sector.
Beyond indigenous participation, Faluyi emphasised the importance of stronger engagement between petroleum industry stakeholders and the media in promoting a clearer understanding of sector developments.
She acknowledged the responsibility of journalists in explaining complex technical decisions and their wider implications for the Nigerian public.
According to her, a productive relationship between the industry and the media must be built on mutual respect while allowing room for independent judgment and critical questioning.
“We welcome your questions, including the difficult ones,” she said.
Faluyi explained that such questions provide opportunities for industry participants to clarify their operations, examine existing assumptions and draw attention to matters requiring answers.
She added that the media’s perspective was important in identifying the concerns most relevant to Nigerians and ensuring that discussions about the petroleum industry extend beyond technical and policy considerations.
The PETAN spokesperson expressed optimism that the roundtable would provide a clearer understanding of the contributions indigenous businesses could make to the industry, the constraints affecting their operations and opportunities deserving further consideration.
She also called for thoughtful and constructive discussions on the sector’s future, with particular attention to the practical challenges facing Nigerian technical service providers.
The engagement brought together PETAN representatives, journalists and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
