‘Oil, gas industry needs funding for research’

To contribute to the growth of the oil and gas industry through research, the Chairman, Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbon Studies (IOGRHS), Akin Akindoyeni, has said N250 million can commence research in some areas of the industry such as environmental studies.
    
Akindoyeni, who noted the need for authentic research in the industry particularly the hydrocarbon part at an Oil and Gas Product Forum in Lagos, described the ability of the sum of N250 million as scratching the surface of research.
    
He said it was pertinent for intellectuals in the field to provide real data through research not only to government but also to other stakeholders in the industry. This, he noted, would check possible mistakes.
    
The IOGRHS boss who described gas flaring as one of the mistakes already made by government due to lack of adequate research remarked that without research findings, no sustainable advice can be given to both the public and private sectors on how to go about manufacturing in the industry.
    
… Bakson’s fireproof products get commendation
The Institute of Oil and Gas Research and Hydrocarbons Studies has named Bakson Fire Resistant safe brand the Best Fireproof Safe Product of the Year at its Oil and Gas Products Awards held in Lagos.The award was received by Mr. Jonathan Bakare, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bakson Investment Nigeria Limited on behalf of the company. Chairman of Council of the institute, Prof. Akin Akindoyeni, handed over the award.

Bestowing the award, the institute noted that Bakson products were “made with the finest fire resistant safe materials that closely adhere to international standards”. Commenting on the award, Bakare said his company was grateful for such recognition and promised the firm would not rest on its laurels.

He noted that the products’ ruggedness and safety remains unparalleled for long service product life, making it to stand out in its category. “Our product is complete structure coated with epoxy resin powder. Again we fully comply with government policy on standardization and regulation,” he said.

The managing director urged players in the oil and gas industry to look inwards and use more of locally fabricated parts in their operations. Adding that: “The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is doing a good job. Local content must include use of Nigerian contractors, goods and services as well as employing Nigerian personnel. Over time, there will be an increase in Nigerian companies rendering services within the oil and gas industry. Industry operators need to work with Nigerian contractors to grow their capacity.

“To this end, training therefore is very important. However, local content should not be focused on the oil industry alone. Government must expand the local content policy to other non-oil sectors.”