As a leading provider of oilfield services for clients across the Middle East and Africa, Oilserv has participated in some of the largest gas pipeline projects on the continent, leveraging its experience and capacity to carry out large-scale EPC work. Energy Capital & Power spoke with Chairman Sir Engr. Emeka Okwuosa about the company’s aim to establish its capabilities and footprint in Namibia and the wider southern African region, ahead of first oil production and associated infrastructure development.
What is the scope of on- and offshore oilfield services that Oilserv provides?
Oilserv Ltd is a pan-African industrial energy group comprising many companies under the Oilserv umbrella. We specialize in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), not only constructing pipeline projects on- and offshore, but also infrastructure development for the oil, gas and utilities sectors. A recent notable project is the 617-km, $2.3-billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project across Nigeria, which is among other projects we are developing in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol space. This illustrates the magnitude of projects that Oilserv can and is undertaking, and that we are positioned to help Namibia realize its energy ambitions and infrastructural development going forward.
What differentiates Oilserv from other OFS providers?
Oilserv has the experience and pedigree in the oil and gas sector for almost 30 years. Where many companies have fallen off the edge, we have grown exponentially in workforce, technology and project complexity. For instance, we have the most advanced welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) apparatus in Africa, as well as one of the largest heavy earth machinery inventories in Africa, and have successfully managed projects in challenging environments.
Which sectors are the primary demand drivers for your products?
We set out as an oil and gas infrastructure service provider, but with our expansion and the energy transition that is taking place globally, we have positioned the company to meet this transition and operate across oil and gas, utilities, renewables, infrastructure and mining sectors.
How does Namibia compare to other countries in which Oilserv operates, in terms of growth prospects and potential market share?
Namibia is entering into the energy sector in its infancy and is still very much a blank canvas compared to many countries on the continent and beyond. Mining is established and growing, but the energy sector as it develops will accelerate the development of Namibia for its people and future.
What attracted Oilserv to the Namibian market and how conducive is Namibia’s regulatory environment to new entrants?
The potential to invest and develop new emerging markets in energy, mining and renewables was the attraction, while ample workforce in developing local capacity and capability skills is the “magnet.” Namibia’s regulatory environment is receptive and enabling to allow fair consideration to new entrants like ourselves.
Do you have plans to expand activities in Namibia and the region? How do you see operations evolving over the next 3-5 years?
As opportunities in our sectors of interest evolve and we get actively involved, South Africa and the wider region will be entwined for Oilserv going forward. The oil and gas development will be at least five years away, but it will allow Oilserv to establish its capabilities and footprint in preparation for the infrastructural development in other sectors in the interim. This will allow us to be firmly embedded in the future development of Namibia, but also establish ourselves as a regional player.
Energy Capital & Power is a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/
