Yemisi Izuora
Scotland has signified deep interest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
To facilitate the investment potential of the country, a Scottish Oil & Gas delegation is due in Nigeria before end of the month.
The aim of the visit is to gain a good understanding of local market conditions and to look for potential local partners interested in enhancing their own offer by linking up with a Scotland-based company.
The group will also be participating in the Offshore West Africa (OWA) conference and exhibition scheduled to hold in Lagos and promoting the strengths of the country’s very large oil and gas supply chain via a Scotland Pavilion.
Gary Soper, Regional Manager for Africa for Scottish Development International, who will be leading the delegation for this visit, said “I am delighted to be bringing such a large trade delegation from Scotland and participating in the 20th edition of Offshore West Africa.
“Our presence is aimed at promoting the strengths of the Scottish industry and developing ties with Nigerian businesses.
Sub sectors represented include education and training; subsea engineering; winches; electrical product distribution; well construction and engineering services; and remote communications systems to name but a few. ’’ Amongst the delegation, awareness of the need to address local content and local participation issues is high” Soper said.
Scotland is a true Global Hub for oil and gas and the oil and gas cluster makes a huge contribution to the Scottish economy and Scotland has grown many creative and innovative companies already operating in over 100 countries worldwide.
Whilst some Scotland-based companies are already operating in Nigeria, there is scope for more to be active here through developing partnerships and transferring some of the technologies and skills that have been built up over the 50 years of operating in the North Sea.
Scottish Development International (SDI) is the international economic development arm of Government in Scotland and provides a broad range of services to support companies and institutions to help them develop their overseas business.
SDI also helps overseas businesses tap into Scotland’s key strengths in innovation, knowledge, high levels skills and technology,