In the first quarter of 2021, the OPTS Chairman, Mike Sangster and Vice Chairman, Rick Kennedy supported by the ED OPTS, Bunmi Toyobo have paid virtual courtesy visits to Waltersmith Petroman Oil, Amni International Petroleum Development Company, Oando PLC, Eroton Exploration and Production Company Ltd, South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) and Energia.
The purpose of the visits was for OPTS to acquaint itself with its members, encourage indigenous company participation in OPTS, discuss industry issues and exchange ideas on how OPTS can better support indigenous companies going forward. The visits have also given opportunities to update the Companies on the recent happenings in OPTS with particular reference to the PIB and other prevalent issues within the industry.
The feedback from the indigenous companies has been insightful. In the past, the perception was that OPTS catered more to the needs of the international oil companies but this mindset is changing because more indigenous company members are becoming involved in OPTS activities and their voices are being heard. The Chairman mentioned during one of the visits that the work that was done on the PIB review by OPTS was in collaboration with IPPG which helped to reinforce OPTS advocacy among our stakeholders. The Chairman was commended for taking the initiative to visit the indigenous companies.