World Report

Oilserv is used to working in the challenging conditions of the Niger delta

ndigenous engineering firm Oilserv is not afraid of working in some testing conditions. For more than 10 years, the company has provided turnkey project support to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, both on land and swamp, servicing the needs of the multinationals and other clients.

It has also carried out work on pipelines, flow lines and other oil and gas infrastructure in the hot and swampy Niger delta region and has a long list of successful project completions for, among others, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Oilserv has a number of technical partnerships in place with well-known drilling and cabling companies to boost its technical offering to the industry, where it is now highly regarded with a bulging portfolio of assignments.

Managing Director Emeka Okwuosa believes the firm’s proven track record has made it easier to secure new business and move into other areas. Certainly ambition is not something that the company is lacking. Oilserv has just taken its first steps into the exploration and production (E&P) market, signing up its very own block in Sierra Leone, a major new direction for the firm.

“It is our background that has made it possible for us to cross over because if you go into E&P you should already have a certain level of experience in the industry,” Mr Okwuosa says.

Oilserv, in conjunction with a related company, Frazimex, is now in the process of acquiring its own two rigs to pursue its E&P ambitions. As well as initial exploration activity in Sierra Leone – potentially a springboard to other destinations – this includes helping others find their feet in Nigeria.

Emeka Okwuosa
Managing Director of Oilserv

‘There is a lot to be done here. Investors should come in’

The company has been in talks with an American drilling firm keen to move into swamp drilling, a world away from Dallas. “They want to diversify to swamp areas and we are negotiating with them,” says Mr Okwuosa. “All of these things are leveraged and based on our track record and ability to perform.”

With turnover rising sharply, things are looking bright for the firm. It has benefited from its good reputation as demand for local content and services has risen from Nigeria’s main oil producers in recent years.

On the international front, Mr Okwuosa says the company plans to raise its profile across West Africa, starting with Sierra Leone. As well as pure exploration, it is also looking at building storage and other petroleum facilities. Outside Africa, the company maintains representative offices in the US and Switzerland.

Proven track record has made securing new business easier

Conversely, for foreign investors looking in, he reckons Oilserv is an ideal partner to help tackle the Nigerian market. “There is a lot to be done here,” he says. “Investors should be willing to come in and offer their services. But part of that is to link up with local companies to establish a base here, or set up a fabrication shop and facilities. In this way, they can effectively service the industry, now that it is more difficult to run it from overseas with the current government policies.”