The Managing Director and CEO of Global Process & Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL), Engr. Obi Uzu has outlined strategies for sustainable energy development in Africa. He made the presentation at the just-concluded NIES 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, during a panel session subtitled, “Sustainability and the Future of Content Development in Africa’s Energy Sector”, during which time he underscored the imperative of innovation in capacity building towards industry sustainability.
“Innovation is not just about staying ahead; it is about transforming challenges into opportunities and leading the way towards a more sustainable energy future for Africa” Uzu said.
While making his thought-provoking presentation, Engr. Obi Uzu said three pivotal metrics – Competence, Capacity, and Collaboration were crucial elements that could drive progress in the energy sector.
According to him, competence should encompass general knowledge and training, as well as continuous research and development (R&D). He stressed the importance of understanding the entire ecosystem of the energy sector to foster collaboration and attract expertise from around the globe. Without such broad knowledge, he cautioned, companies risk relegating themselves to lower levels within the industry.
Engr. Uzu further elaborated on the significance of robust R&D efforts and collaboration, both internally and externally, citing instances where his company, GPPSL, leveraged on its knowledge and expertise to modify equipment for deepwater operations, which also helped in keeping them ahead of the curve in terms of innovation. It also demonstrates the company’s ability to bridge the gap between client needs and how timely solutions could be provided, underscoring the importance of continuous skill development.
In terms of capacity, Engr. Uzu emphasized the necessity of deploying adequate resources to meet commitments and achieve deliverables. He highlighted GPPSL’s commitment to investing in competency development programs, substantiated when the company sent out about 27 Nigerian professionals to various prestigious institutions of learning and training like the Harvard and Cambridge Universities.
“This strategic investment not only builds expertise in-house but also ensures long-term loyalty and sustainability within the organization”, Uzu said.
No wonder then Collaboration as the best way to go has always Engr. Uzu’s presentations, almost always ready to offer veritable means of mitigating risks, as well as scale up operations effectively. By partnering with companies globally and tapping into diverse pools of knowledge and expertise, GPPS Limited has been able to expand its capabilities while enhancing its competitiveness within the energy sector.
Engr. Obi Uzu’s insights equally underscores the imperative of prioritizing competence, capacity building among industry players, as collaboration cannot be ignored as critical elements to drive sustainable development in Africa.
“Competence, Capacity, and Collaboration are, therefore, the pillars of sustainable energy development in Africa,” he concluded.
Global Process & Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL) is a leading service company operating in the energy sector, specializing in process and pipeline services. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, GPPSL is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to clients across Africa and beyond. At the Gala Dinner/Award Night of the NIES 2024, the company emerged as the Oil Service Company of the Year 2023, an award it has won consistently for about four times.
