The Managing Director of Global Process and Pipeline Services Limited and the Vice chairman of PETAN, Engr. Obi Uzu has urged Nigerian oil and gas service companies to strengthen their technological capabilities, invest in human capital and institutionalize sustainable corporate governance if they are to fully benefit from the wave of investments flowing into the country’s energy sector.

Speaking during a panel session at NOG Energy Week 2026, Engr. Uzu responded to a question on how indigenous service companies are positioning themselves to maximize the growing number of oil and gas projects and ensure that more value is retained within Nigeria. He argued that while policies promoting local content remain important, true local content is ultimately built on capacity.

According to him, capacity extends beyond regulations and policies to encompass technology, skilled manpower, infrastructure and sustainable business structures that enable Nigerian companies to compete globally. He noted that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has created a model that several African countries are beginning to emulate. However, he cautioned that protective local content policies alone cannot deliver results without the technical and operational capacity to execute complex projects.

Technology as a Competitive Advantage: Highlighting technology as the first pillar of capacity development, Uzu said indigenous companies must continuously modernize their operations by embracing innovation and forming strategic international collaborations. The veteran engineer observed that the era of merely serving as local representatives for foreign firms is giving way to partnerships that facilitate genuine technology transfer and competency development. Drawing from his company’s experience, he explained that investments have been made in robotic technologies for tank cleaning and robotic inspection systems, significantly reducing human exposure to hazardous environments while improving operational efficiency. He also revealed that artificial intelligence has been integrated into the company’s operations, with maintenance management, human resources, payroll and approval processes now fully automated, enabling business continuity regardless of location.

According to him, Nigerian firms should constantly evaluate their operations and adopt technologies that improve productivity and safety. He added that Nigerian companies are no longer only importing technology but are increasingly exporting home-grown solutions to other African countries. A development he described as evidence of the country’s growing technical competence.