Starzs Gas to create 400 jobs through internships, graduate programs- MD, Ogbeifun
UTM FLNG okays marine services, catering, waste disposal, 25 other contracts for Nigerian vendors – Project, Lead, Engr. Amara
Oredola Adeola
The future of Nigeria’s energy sector must be anchored in robust indigenous capacity, not just in upstream operations but critically in the downstream segment, where infrastructure, distribution, and innovation intersect to ensure energy is accessible, affordable, and sustainable- oil and gas industry experts revealed.
This consensus emerged during the ‘5th Opportunity Presentation Session and Q&A,’ a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the 2025 Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), which concluded on Thursday in Bayelsa State.
The experts who made different presentation at the panel session reinforced the broader theme of the fair: leveraging Nigerian content to build a more inclusive, innovative, and self-reliant energy sector.
Panelists highlighted the urgent need for local expertise and investments across the energy value chain to drive long-term growth and energy security.
Mr. Shola Oni, Head of Finance, Compliance, and Administration at MEMAN, the moderator of the session, in his remark on key Nigerian content opportunities, noted that the MEMAN Competency Centre is designed to empower local talent through technical training and upskilling programs.
According to Oni, the centre also serves as a hub for downstream research and development, innovation, and the promotion of inclusive energy transition strategies.
“This Centre reflects our dedication to building a resilient, future-ready downstream sector that aligns with national energy goals, enhances Nigeria’s global competitiveness, and promotes self-reliance,” he said.
Oni further emphasized MEMAN’s readiness to collaborate with industry stakeholders to transform emerging opportunities into tangible, long-term achievements for the country’s energy sector.
Engr. George Amara, Project/Technical Lead, UTM FLNG Limited, during his presentation at a panel session, outlined a comprehensive list of upcoming opportunities within the company’s Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project.
These, according to him, include Engineering and Construction services, freight forwarding and in-country transportation of equipment and materials, marine services, training and ancillary services, tax consultancy, administrative support, and audit and finance consultancy.
He identified other prospects to include catering and waste disposal services, helicopter operations, flotel supply and operations, boat and barge services, security and medical support, non-destructive testing (NDT) services, local procurement, and cathodic protection works.
Engr. Amara also highlighted additional in-country opportunities such as construction and fabrication works, environmental surveys, hydrotesting, loop testing, mechanical completion services, installation and hook-up works, bolt tensioning/torquing, construction equipment rentals, diesel and utility supply, instrument calibration, SURF (subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines) engineering cleaning services, supply of toiletries and stationery, laboratory and IT services, chemical supplies, manpower support, and tugboat hire.
Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starzs Gas Limited, in her presentation emphasized prospects existing within her company’s operations, particularly those aligned with job creation and human capacity development.
According to her, the company aims to create employment for at least 400 individuals—both directly and indirectly—through initiatives such as structured internships and graduate trainee programs, as well as targeted skills development.
Ogbeifun identified local opportunities in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services, where civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation firms, along with fabrication and welding companies, can play key roles.
Starzs Gas Limited further noted that the company would support local business growth by sourcing services such as logistics, security, catering, janitorial support, and waste management from indigenous providers.
She revealed that Starzs Gas is forming partnerships with professional and vocational training centers to upskill workers in gas processing and distribution technologies, as well as collaborating with universities and technical colleges to align academic programs with industry requirements.
On procurement and supply chain development, she stressed a strong preference for locally manufactured materials including pipes, valves, fittings, instrumentation, and other construction inputs, while prioritizing Nigerian firms for all procurement contracts.
She also underscored the company’s commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including youth entrepreneurship programs in the gas value chain, and policies ensuring local employment and contractor participation.
