By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
The 3rd West African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (WAIPEC) 2019 is set to lay a strong foundation for the Nigerian Local Content as the event will return to Nigeria once again, featuring latest technological solutions and business opportunities that will attract foreign investment in the Nigeria’s oil industry.
WAIPEC Event Director, Paul Gilbert, disclosed this on a media chat with our correspondent at the sideline of the annual West African International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference scheduled to take place on 23-24 January, 2019 in Lagos.
He explained that WAIPEC provides a fantastic opportunity for African countries to showcase how they met their local content targets, sharing best practices and real solutions to ensure Nigeria benefits from its local content ambitions moving forward.
Hosted by PETAN – effectively ‘by the industry, for the industry’ it gives a guarantee that participants will receiving a real business platform to be able to meet companies with the very latest products and solutions that will develop Africa’s oil and gas assets to their full potential.
“As well as building on the discussions of previous years, the programme’s content is annually led by an esteemed steering committee, this year, chair of the committee is Emeka Ene – Chief Executive Officer of Oildata Energy Group, who is working alongside senior level representatives from FIRST E&P, TOTAL E&P, SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, SNEPCo, Chevron, NAPIMS, NCDMB and Nigeria LNG in addition to PETAN Chair – Bank Anthony Okoroafor and Public Secretary – Ranti Omole.
“The programme’s content is built around debate and discussions that will analyse the region’s potential and position on the global energy stage and work to enhance opportunities and build collaborations.
“Providing a platform for business development, access to the best products and solutions will only speed up all future upstream, midstream and downstream projects moving forward,” Paul said.
WAIPEC was established in 2017 by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) to promote the West African oil and gas industry, seek best practice, explore new technologies and develop commercial opportunities for business and international investment.
Given its sell out success since, it has developed hugely today, and is now widely regarded as the major think-tank, collaboration platform and sprouting base for innovative ideas across the entire Sub Saharan African energy industry.