The Effurun, and are close to finalising a strategic partnership aimed at addressing critical skills gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly in well intervention.
Findings by our correspondent indicated that discussions, which have spanned several months, gained traction on Tuesday when officials of the Port Harcourt-based firm conducted their third facility tour of the institute, signalling progress towards sealing the agreement.
Speaking during the visit, the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI, Dr Samuel Onoji, who was represented by the Director of Engineering, Dr Ahmed Adamu, described the proposed collaboration as timely and strategic.
Adamu noted that the engagement followed earlier moves to draft a Memorandum of Understanding, which would guide the development of a specialised training curriculum.
“The coming of the Oida team is a welcome development. We have begun work on the MoU, and I am confident that the available facilities will effectively support students and trainees,” he said.
On his part, the Strategic Business Unit Manager of Oida Energy Nigeria, Chuks Echem, said the partnership was driven by the need to bridge gaps in well intervention competencies within the local oil and gas sector.
“We are currently partnering with PTI on a well intervention programme, which we identified as a critical gap. This is our third visit, and after about three months of discussions, we are now assessing facilities. So far, we are impressed,” he said.
Echem disclosed that talks had reached an advanced stage and expressed optimism that the collaboration would boost capacity development and improve operational efficiency in the industry.
He rated the institute’s facilities highly, scoring them eight out of ten, and commended PTI for maintaining standards consistent with industry expectations.
According to him, both parties are set to establish a joint technical committee to fine-tune key aspects of the partnership, especially curriculum development, ahead of final approval.
“We are discussing curriculum formation, which is fundamental. Once agreed, it will determine the scope of our contribution. A committee will be set up to finalise processes before presentation and approval. We are hopeful that within a month, things will begin to take shape,” he added.
Also speaking, the Head of Linkages, Exchange and Partnership Unit at PTI, Mrs Sarah Nwinee, stressed the importance of the initiative in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
She described the collaboration as a “triple helix model” involving government, academia and industry, noting that such synergy would drive innovation and sustainable development.
“It is important to bridge the gap between theory and practice. PTI provides the theoretical base and facilities, while Oida brings industry expertise. When government, industry and academia work together, innovation thrives,” she said.
Nwinee added that Oida Energy was selected based on its proven capacity and reputation in well intervention services, noting that both parties were satisfied with the outcome of the facility inspection.
She urged Nigerians to sustain confidence in PTI, highlighting its longstanding role in manpower development for the oil and gas sector.
“PTI represents the true story of local content development in Nigeria. For over 50 years, the institute has continued to build critical capacity for the industry,” she said.
With both parties expressing satisfaction with ongoing engagements, the partnership is expected to advance to the curriculum development and implementation stage in the coming weeks.
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