Shell has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
This is in a bid to promote partnerships, capacity building, and regulatory adherence to maximise value for local businesses.
Gladys Afam-Anadu, Shell’s Media Relations Manager, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
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She highlighted insights shared by Mr Olanrewaju Olawuyi, General Manager of Nigeria Content Development at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).
Olawuyi, according to the statement, made the remarks during a panel session on “Local Content Private Sector” at the recently concluded Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos.
Drawing from Shell’s extensive experience in Nigeria, Olawuyi stressed the need for indigenous companies to collaborate, especially when executing major work scopes.
“In 2023, Shell awarded contracts worth $1.98 billion to Nigerian businesses, significantly boosting the capabilities of local firms and positioning them as regional contractors,” he said.
Olawuyi also emphasised the importance of training and resource allocation to enhance the expertise of local companies.
He pointed to Shell’s initiatives such as the Nigerian Diving School to increase the capacity of local divers, the domestication of 3D printing technology, and ongoing research to develop synthetic base fluids for drilling.
He said that these efforts are part of Shell’s broader strategy to nurture local supplier development.
“Compliance with local content policies is crucial.
“This not only benefits Shell’s operations but also strengthens the local economy and builds trust with host communities,” he added.
Olawuyi further elaborated on Shell’s long-term vision, noting, “We’ve learned that local content development is not a sprint, but a marathon.
” It makes strong business sense and delivers value over time.
“As the energy sector evolves, local content strategies will move beyond compliance to focus on value-driven partnerships, technology adoption, and sustainable economic impact.”
He concluded by emphasising that companies investing in innovation, digital transformation, and workforce development would be at the forefront of the next phase of local content growth in Nigeria.
