In this interview, The Energy Republic talks to Joan Faluyi, Managing Director of Offshore Dimensions Limited, about her company’s business model and how the company has evolved over the years in making a positive impact on the global energy landscape.
As a Woman owned business, she shared her experience and discoveries about the opportunities in energy, oil, gas industry which would also serve as an inspiration to other upcoming Women entrepreneurs…
Interview by Genevieve Aningo
TER: What is Offshore Dimensions all about?
Faluyi: Offshore Dimensions Limited, established in 2014, is a dynamic Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPC) company specializing in the Energy, Oil, and Gas sectors. Renowned for our commitment to excellence, we operate across three continents, significantly impacting industries in Africa, Europe, and America.
Our company, certified under ISO 9001: 2015, boasts a diverse range of services. We provide tailored General Procurement services, meeting the specific needs of the Energy, Oil, and Gas industry. Our expertise also covers comprehensive Engineering services, Construction management, and representation of global leaders in the sector. Our key partnerships include:
- Parker Hannifin: We are the Nigerian representatives for this global leader in Motion and Control Technologies. Our fully stocked Parker Store is geared to meet various industry needs.
- Vishal Steel India: Our collaboration ensures access to top-quality steel and alloy products, emphasizing a commitment to quality standards.
At Offshore Dimensions Limited, we see ourselves as more than just a service provider; we are a partner committed to excellence and precision in every project. Our clients are integral to our journey, contributing to our vision of shaping the future of the Energy, Oil, and Gas sectors.
Adding to our credentials, we are proud to announce that we have been recognized as an award-winning Parker store for 2023, a testament to our dedication and service quality in the industry.
TER: What inspired you to venture into such business and how long have you been doing business in the oil and gas industry?
Faluyi: My inspiration to venture into this business was greatly influenced by my father, Dr. Vincent Ebuh. Having been mentored by him for 19 and a half years at Petrolog, I gained invaluable insights and experience in the oil and gas sector. This profound journey under his guidance sparked my passion and laid the foundational knowledge necessary for me to establish my own company in this dynamic industry.
My journey into this business was shaped by comprehensive training across all sectors of the oil and gas industry, from upstream to midstream and downstream. This extensive preparation equipped me with the necessary expertise and confidence to navigate the industry. Further bolstered by the encouragement of my father and husband, I stepped into this field with a robust foundation. With over 27 years of experience in the industry, and having run my own business for more than 9 and a half years, I’ve navigated both the highs and the lows that come with any business venture, gaining invaluable insights and resilience along the way.
TER: As a Woman in Energy, please could you shed more light on your career journey and what are your greatest lessons so far?
Faluyi: Certainly, my career journey in the Energy sector, particularly as a woman, has been both challenging and enlightening. The industry, predominantly male-dominated, often required me to double my efforts to assert my presence and capabilities. This reality taught me the crucial lesson of resilience.
Having to constantly strive for recognition and a place at the decision-making table, I learned to not only be firm in my convictions but also adaptable in my approach. This balancing act of assertiveness and adaptability became a key strategy in navigating the industry.
Another significant lesson was the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends and technological advancements. This has helped me remain relevant and effective in my role.
Networking and building strong professional relationships have also been vital. It taught me that while individual strength is important, collaborative efforts and support systems within the industry can amplify success.
Lastly, being a woman in energy taught me the power of mentorship and advocacy. By sharing my journey, I aim to inspire and pave the way for other women entering the field, emphasizing that their contributions are valuable and necessary for the growth and diversification of the industry.
TER: According to several reports, women account for just 22 percent of the workforce in the oil and gas sector and 32 percent in renewables. Looking at your professional background and experience as well as your advancement in the industry, what specific areas have you discovered that stand as an opportunity for Women to explore in the downstream, midstream, and upstream of the oil and gas industry?
Faluyi: The statistics highlighting women’s representation in the oil and gas sector indeed show a significant disparity, but they also reveal areas ripe with opportunity. In my experience, being a woman in this industry is not a handicap; rather, it presents a unique perspective that can be leveraged. Women possess the ability to excel in any segment of the oil and gas industry, be it downstream, midstream, or upstream.
The downstream sector is focused on refining and distribution, offers opportunities in process engineering, product marketing, and supply chain management. Women can leverage skills in technical aspects and business acumen to excel here.
While the midstream sector involves transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of crude or refined petroleum products. Women can find significant opportunities in logistics, pipeline management, and infrastructure development, utilizing organizational and strategic planning skills.
The upstream sector which involves the exploration and production part of the oil and gas industry, which is highly technical but immensely rewarding. Opportunities here range from geological surveying, and drilling engineering to project management. Women with a strong background in these fields can bring diverse problem-solving approaches and innovative thinking to these roles.
Moreover, the rise of digital technologies in the oil and gas industry opens up new avenues such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT management, where gender is not a barrier to entry.
In addition to technical roles, leadership and decision-making positions across these sectors are increasingly accessible to women who have the expertise and experience. This shift not only diversifies the leadership landscape but also influences company cultures to become more inclusive.
Ultimately, the ability to work and succeed in any sector of the oil and gas industry relies on skill, determination, and adaptability. For women aiming to enter or progress within this industry, the key is to identify these opportunities, hone relevant skills, and leverage their unique perspectives to drive innovation and efficiency.
TER: Recently, WEOG launched an exclusive business directory specifically to counter gender discrimination which has been a barricade preventing many women-owned businesses from achieving their full potential. Please could you shed more light on the initiative and how it would support Women entrepreneurs?
Faluyi: The recent launch of WEOG’s exclusive business directory is a significant stride towards addressing gender inclusion, which has long been an impediment for many women-owned businesses in realizing their full potential. This initiative, which I wholeheartedly endorse, is multifaceted in its approach and objectives.
Objective of the Initiative:
Visibility and Recognition: One of the primary goals of this directory is to increase the visibility of women-owned businesses in the oil and gas sector. By listing these enterprises, the directory not only acknowledges their existence but also highlights their capabilities and services, thus making them more accessible to potential clients and collaborators.
Networking and Collaboration: This platform aims to foster a sense of community among women entrepreneurs.
By bringing together International Oil Companies (IOCs), National Oil Companies (NOCs), and women-owned businesses, it creates an environment conducive to learning, mentorship, and partnership. This collective approach helps amplify women’s voices in the industry.
Capacity Building and Empowerment: The directory is not just a listing service; it’s a gateway to resources and support aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. By providing access to training, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs, it equips women with the tools and skills necessary to scale their businesses and thrive in a competitive environment.
Breaking Barriers: The initiative is designed to help women entrepreneurs break through the barriers that have traditionally hindered their progress in the oil and gas sector. It challenges the status quo by demonstrating the capacity, strength, and ability of women to own and successfully run businesses across various segments of the industry.
Partnerships and Inclusion: By advocating for the inclusion of women in significant business deals and projects within the oil and gas sector, the directory serves as a platform for companies to engage with and support women-owned businesses.
It encourages companies to not just open doors for these women entrepreneurs but to also hold their hands, guiding and empowering them to establish a significant presence in the industry.
Overall, the WEOG business directory initiative is a powerful tool for change. It’s not just about listing businesses; it’s about rewriting the narrative of women in the oil and gas industry, ensuring they are not only seen and heard but also respected and integrated as key players in the field.
TER: What would you recommend as a strategic approach to support Women’s participation in the public and private sectors, especially in the energy, oil, and gas industry?
Faluyi: To effectively enhance women’s participation in both public and private sectors, particularly in the energy, oil, and gas industries, a multifaceted strategic approach is required. The involvement of regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is crucial in this endeavor. Here are several key recommendations for this approach:
Policy Implementation for Gender Inclusion: Organizations should develop and implement policies that actively promote gender inclusion. This includes setting clear targets for women’s participation in various roles, especially in leadership positions. Regulatory bodies like NCDMB can enforce these policies by ensuring companies comply as part of their operational criteria.
Transparent Bidding Processes: In procurement and contract bidding, there should be transparency and fairness, with specific quotas or preferential considerations for women-owned businesses.
This will encourage more women to participate in these bids, knowing they have a fair chance of winning contracts.
Workforce Diversity Analysis: Companies should regularly analyze their workforce diversity. This introspection helps identify areas where women are underrepresented and develop strategies to address these gaps. Regular diversity reports should be mandated to ensure ongoing commitment and accountability.
Capacity Building Programs: Investing in training and development programs specifically designed for women in the energy sector is crucial. These programs should focus on building technical skills, leadership capabilities, and business acumen to prepare women for competitive roles.
Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Establishing mentorship programs where experienced professionals guide and support women in their career paths is essential. Networking events should be organized to connect women with industry leaders, peers, and potential business partners.
Promoting Success Stories: Highlighting and celebrating the achievements of women in the
sector can inspire others and demonstrate the value of female participation. Success stories can also help change the narrative and break down stereotypes about women’s roles in energy, oil, and gas.
By integrating these strategies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment in the energy, oil, and gas sectors, enabling women to contribute significantly to these critical industries.
TER: Recently, Offshore Dimensions was conferred with an “Outstanding Growth Award” from Parker Hannifin, an American OEM company. How would you describe this award and its positive impact on your company’s business model?
Faluyi: Receiving the “Outstanding Growth Award” from Parker Hannifin, a prominent American OEM company, is a momentous achievement for Offshore Dimensions. This accolade serves as a powerful affirmation of our hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Here’s how I would describe the award and its positive impact on our business model:
Recognition of Excellence: Being acknowledged by an internationally renowned company like Parker Hannifin highlights our commitment to delivering top-notch services and solutions in the Energy, Oil, and Gas sectors. This award underscores the quality of our work and our dedication to industry standards.
Enhanced Credibility: This recognition significantly boosts our credibility in the global market. When an industry leader acknowledges your contributions, it not only enhances your reputation but also instills a greater sense of trust among current and potential clients.
Motivation for Continuous Improvement: The award serves as a motivator for our team. It reinforces the idea that hard work and resilience pay off, encouraging us to continue pushing boundaries, innovating, and striving for excellence in all our projects and business endeavors.
Market Expansion and Growth: Such a prestigious award enhances our visibility in the international arena, opening doors to new markets and business opportunities. It’s a testament to our growth potential and positions us favorably for future business acquisitions and expansions.
Client Confidence and Retention: For our existing clients, this award is a reassurance of our capabilities and commitment to quality. It strengthens their confidence in our services and solutions, aiding in client retention and fostering long-term relationships.
Attracting New Talents and Partnerships: Achieving recognition from a company like Parker Hannifin makes our company more attractive to top-tier talent and potential business partners.
It demonstrates that we are a forward-thinking, dynamic company that’s making significant strides in the industry.
Benchmark for Industry Standards: This award sets a new benchmark for us and others in the industry. It challenges us and our competitors to elevate our standards, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in the sector.
In summary, the “Outstanding Growth Award” from Parker Hannifin is not just a symbol of recognition but a catalyst for further growth, innovation, and excellence. It validates our business model and propels us towards greater achievements in the global Energy, Oil, and Gas market.
TER: Are you open to signing up for another kind of business opportunity? and, what kind of partnership would you be interested in?
Faluyi: Certainly, exploring new business opportunities and partnerships is always an intriguing prospect for a company like ours. Here’s how I would elaborate on this:
Focused Expansion: Currently, our primary focus is on expanding our services in collaboration with our partner, Parker Hannifin. The initiative to venture into the gas sector with a new badge symbolizes our commitment to growth and specialization. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening our foothold in a specific area of the industry, ensuring we develop a deep expertise and a strong market presence.
Future Opportunities: While our immediate plans are centered around this expansion, we remain open to exploring other business opportunities in the future. The energy, oil, and gas industry is continuously evolving, and we aim to stay at the forefront of this evolution.
Criteria for Future Partnerships: In terms of future partnerships, we are interested in collaborations that align with our core values and business objectives. Any potential partnership should offer mutual benefits, including shared knowledge, resources, and market opportunities. We are particularly interested in partnerships that foster innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in the energy sector.
Adapting to Market Trends: The future looks bright, and we are always monitoring market trends and technological advancements. This proactive approach ensures that when we do explore new partnerships or business ventures, they are in areas that promise growth and align with industry advancements.
Long-term Vision: Our long-term vision involves not just expanding our service offerings but also contributing to the sustainable development of the energy sector. Partnerships that can help us achieve this goal, particularly those that focus on renewable energy, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability, will be highly appealing.
Building a Robust Network: We also recognize the importance of building a robust network within the industry. Future partnerships may also include educational institutions, research bodies, and government agencies, broadening our scope and impact within the industry.
Empowering Local Communities: As a company deeply rooted in our community, we are also interested in partnerships that allow us to contribute to local development, including initiatives that support local talent, foster economic growth, and encourage community involvement in the energy sector.
In conclusion, while our immediate plans are focused on our collaboration with Parker Hannifin in the gas sector, we are always keeping an eye on the horizon for new opportunities. The kind of partnerships we would be interested in the future would align with our mission to innovate, sustainably grow, and positively impact both the industry and our communities.
TER: We are also aware that Offshore Dimension is a corporate member of the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas Association (WEOG). How has WEOG contributed to the growth and development of your company?
Faluyi: The significance of women supporting each other, especially in industries traditionally dominated by men, is immense. Being a corporate member of the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas Association (WEOG) has been instrumental in several key ways:
Networking Opportunities, Mentorship and Learning, Visibility and Recognition, Empowerment and Support, Advocacy and Influence, Resource and Knowledge Sharing, Community and CSR Initiatives, and Collaborating with WEOG on community and CSR initiatives have allowed us to contribute meaningfully to societal issues, particularly those affecting women in our community and industry.
In summary, WEOG has played a pivotal role in strengthening our commitment to diversity, empowerment, and ethical practices in the energy sector. The association’s focus on collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy has been a catalyst for both our success and our contribution to paving the way for more women in this field.
TER: Are there any particular projects that you are involved in that you would like to share with us?
Faluyi: Certainly, we are currently engaged in several exciting projects that align with our expansion goals and serve a diverse range of clients, including International Oil Companies (IOCs) and various service companies in the industry:
Procurement and Supply Chain Enhancement: A significant part of our current focus is on enhancing our procurement services. We are working on projects that involve streamlining supply chain processes for our clients, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of essential equipment and materials.
Collaboration with Parker Hannifin: Building on our successful partnership with Parker Hannifin, we are jointly exploring new projects in motion and control technologies. This includes the development of advanced hydraulic and pneumatic systems for energy applications.
Sustainable Energy Initiatives: Recognizing the global shift towards sustainable energy, we are looking at developing renewable energy sources. Expanding our research and development in areas like solar, wind, and biofuel technologies.
Capacity Building Programs: We are investing in capacity building for the local workforce. This includes training and development programs in partnership with industry leaders, aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of professionals in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Expansion into New Markets: A key project involves our strategic expansion into new markets. We are exploring opportunities in emerging markets across Africa and beyond, where we can leverage our expertise and experience in the oil and gas sector.
Technological Innovations: We are actively involved in projects that focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, and data analytics into oil and gas operations. These projects aim to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety measures.
Community Engagement and CSR: We are committed to projects that have a positive social impact. This includes community engagement initiatives and CSR projects that focus on environmental conservation, education, and health in the communities where we operate.
These projects reflect our dedication to advancing the oil and gas industry, our commitment to sustainable practices, and our focus on contributing positively to the communities we serve. Each project represents a step towards our broader goal of being at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the energy sector.
TER: Where do you see Offshore Dimensions in the next five years?
Faluyi: In the next five years, Offshore Dimensions envisions itself as a trailblazer in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPC) landscape, significantly expanding its global footprint and influence. Our commitment is to redefine industry benchmarks through innovation, sustainability, and excellence in service. We see ourselves not just as a company that operates within the Energy, Oil, and Gas sectors, but as a pivotal force driving change and progress within these industries.
Our Goals for the next five years are:
Global Expansion: Expanding our reach beyond our current markets, establishing a presence in emerging markets, and solidifying partnerships with key players across different continents.
Technological Advancements: Investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance our engineering and construction capabilities, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
Sustainable Practices: Deepening our commitment to sustainability by integrating green practices in all our projects, minimizing environmental impact, and contributing to the global transition to renewable energy sources.
Industry Leadership: Establishing ourselves as thought leaders and influencers in the EPC domain, contributing to policy-making, standards setting, and driving discussions on future industry trends.
Talent Development: Cultivating a workforce that is not only skilled in current technologies and methodologies but is also equipped to adapt to future changes and challenges in the industry.
Enhanced Service Portfolio: Diversifying our service offerings to cover more aspects of the oil and gas value chain, including newer areas like digital oil fields, offshore renewables, and more.
Community and Social Responsibility: Strengthening our community outreach and CSR initiatives, ensuring that our growth also contributes positively to the communities and environments in which we operate.
Strategic Alliances: Forming strategic alliances and partnerships to enhance our service capabilities, extend our market reach, and provide more integrated solutions to our clients.
Research and Innovation: Investing in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging challenges, particularly in areas like sustainable energy and environmental conservation.
Our vision to be a leading, boundary-transcending EPC company aligns seamlessly with our mission. This includes our commitment to redefine industry standards and shape the future of the Energy, Oil, and Gas sectors. As we progress towards these goals, we will continually reinforce our foundation of reliability, quality, and excellence in service, staying true to our mission of delivering unparalleled value and innovation in all our endeavors.
In summary, the next five years for Offshore Dimensions are about growth, leadership, and transformation, driven by our vision to redefine the EPC sector and our mission to deliver exceptional service and value.
We aim to be at the forefront of industry evolution, leading change, and making a lasting impact on the global energy landscape.