Nigeria’s Heritage Energy Empowers Local Contractors with Capacity-Building Workshop

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), operators of the OML30 assets, has taken a significant step in empowering local contractors with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the oil and gas industry. The company recently organized a capacity-building workshop at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State, which drew a large number of registered contractors from all clusters of OML30.

The workshop, according to HEOSL’s General Manager of Government, Joint Venture, and External Relations, Sola Adebawo, was designed to recognize the vital roles local contractors play in the company’s operations. “We value the contributions of our local community vendors in enhancing our operational excellence,” Adebawo emphasized, adding that the workshop aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010, which mandates local content as a crucial element of project development and execution.

Dr. Jeremiah Oharisi, HEOSL’s Manager of Community Relations, echoed Adebawo’s sentiments, noting that the company’s policy is geared towards encouraging local contractors’ participation. “This strategy will create wealth and empowerment within the communities, as well as encourage expertise and capacity,” Oharisi said.

The workshop featured a comprehensive session on contracting and tendering processes, led by Engr. Mabel Obonin of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Obonin took the participants through the different contractual stages, including opportunity, technical, and commercial phases, as well as tender administration. Other topics covered included registration with regulatory agencies, monitoring and evaluation services, categorization, capacity building, and funding structure.

Other resource persons at the session included Mr. Echerebor Solomon, HEOSL’s Manager of Contract and Procurement, who spoke on vendor selection and tendering processes, and Mrs. Ebehi Odejobi, Head of HEOSL Internal Audit and Control, who emphasized the company’s commitment to highest integrity and compliance with rules and regulations.

The event also featured goodwill messages from the OML30 Joint Venture Partners, including NEPL and SNRL, as well as a message from the management of NCDMB. The workshop demonstrates HEOSL’s commitment to empowering local contractors and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable oil and gas industry in Nigeria.