By John Ikani
As part of efforts by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB) to increase indigenous capacities, capabilities and competencies in the oil and gas industry, the Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote recently commissioned a block of Quality Control and Assurance Laboratories christened, Nigerian Content Laboratories by Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants Limited.
Speaking at the commissioning, Engr. Wabote commended Laser Engineering for being as an indigenous company of repute, rendering premium services to the oil and gas industry in the areas of reservoir management, pressure-volume-temperature, (PVT) and environmental services, well intervention services (Slickline), and Research &Development services in a manner that ensures customers and stakeholders’ satisfaction through compliance with best practices for continual improvement.
He specifically stated that Laser Engineering has made an indelible mark of becoming an enduring organization that utilizes available resources in solving intellectual problems in the oil and gas industry.
The Nigerian Content Chieftain cut the tape to formally open the Nigerian Content Laboratory Complex housing Calibration, Molecular & Micro-Biology, Instrumentation and Chemistry Laboratories. Other Laboratories at the complex include Research, Development & Incubation, Crude Assay, PVT Laboratories, Well Intervention Workshop, Reservoir Office and a Library.
Fielding questions from the media, Managing Director, Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants Limited, Prof. Mike Onyekaonwu maintained that the Analytical Science Laboratories were established to stem the tide of over-dependency on foreign laboratories.
He disclosed that the research centre initiated a Hydrate loop to engender enhanced recovery of crude oil in Exploration & Production operations. The laboratories are also established for students in tertiary institutions to run basic experiments to enhance practical experience of their course of study.
Prof Onyekaonwu indicated that the fabrication of most of the laboratory equipment is done in-country to reduce costs on institutions of higher learning as he is the sole funder of the initiative.
He harped on the need for the establishment of other laboratory facilities in the country, which would handle the nation’s peculiarities through innovation, research and development rather than the hurry for materialism.
The academic encouraged industrialists to create their own technology that can be deployed for problem-solving, noting that over-dependency on the NCDMB can be a problem.
He disclosed that investments in research grows any economy and Nigerians need to be resilient to create indigenous technology.
