The Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government is gradually opening up new frontiers of development in the Niger Delta, especially in the oil and gas industry.<\/p>\n

The recently concluded 34th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigeria Council\u2019s Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2010 at Tinapa, Calabar, was a clear testimony that the region is gradually picking up from the lull in the E&P industry, occasioned by militant activities.<\/p>\n

The 34th edition of the international conference was the first to be hosted in the Niger Delta, after about 10 years of hosting the event consecutively in Abuja.<\/p>\n

The conference had as its theme: \u201cMeeting World\u2019s Energy Supply and Demand Mix, the Role of Africa\u201d.<\/p>\n

Given the central role of Africa in addressing world energy demand and supply, the week-long event provided opportunity for stakeholders to make significant in-road in shaping policy direction and dissemination of technical information in the development of the petroleum industry.<\/p>\n

Musing over the challenges of development in the oil and gas industry, Engr. Anthony Abolarin, chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers,\u00a0 N Nigeria Council (2009-2010), stated that; on the global scene, not withstanding the recent unprecedented high oil price ($140 plus), the effect of the economic recession has created record deficits and soaring unemployment levels in the various countries across the globe. Consequently, he said, the oil price has since dropped by 50 per cent of this peak.<\/p>\n

According to Engineer Abolarin, who is of Total E&P, \u201c the major challenge in the oil industry is meeting global capacity addition requirements\u201d, but he added that reserve availability is not a critical challenge; but timely reserve development and security of supply.<\/p>\n

To discuss regional trends in the industry, Abolarin said the 34th edition was designed to cover key areas such as technical sessions and exhibitions. With the presence of captains of the oil and gas industry, servicing organisations, professionals, academia and government agencies in the forum, he expressed optimism that the key objective of the conference as portrayed in the theme will be addressed.<\/p>\n

The technical session featured over 105 technical papers, (81 oral and 24 poster sessions) covering technical, commercial, legal organisational, health, and safety and sustainable development interest areas.<\/p>\n

There were two panel sessions for the conference on important topics of continental and theme-related interests. The two topics of discussion were: \u201cImperative for Financial Investment in Energy Research and Development in Sub-Sahara region,\u201d and \u201cLegal, Financial and Political Framework for Energy Development in African sub-region, the journey so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Experts in the fields of discourse brought to bear their wealth of experience by doing justice to the topics.<\/p>\n

NAICE, 2010 Conference Chairman, Engineer Toni Ezeukwu of Addax Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited, said the 34th edition of the conference was important in many ways. Apart from witnessing a significant rebirth from the old order, he said the theme was a \u201csoul searching topic for Africa and Nigeria\u2019s clean development of\u00a0 oil and gas to guarantee its supply.<\/p>\n

Engineer Ezeukwu expressed gratitude to the various companies who facilitated the event by making their staff available for needed services. He also thanked the government of Cross River State for their overwhelming support in the week-long event.<\/p>\n

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State was particularly delighted over the choice of Cross River State (TINAPA) as the venue of this year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n

Imoke offered the traditional hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the state to the participants as a mark of patronage and partnership, and stressed that Calabar should be considered a choice place for subsequent events.<\/p>\n

About 64 companies exhibited successful projects and innovative technologies designed to improve safety, operational efficiency, environmental protection and overral optimisation of oil and gas asset development.<\/p>\n

Practical short courses were also thought during the conference as part of continuous education, and participants availed themselves to improve their knowledge in various specialized fields. The Society of Petroleum Engineers, (SPEI) professional certification examination was also conducted at the conference.<\/p>\n

The turn up for the 34th edition of the NAICE was unprecedented and monumental. Although there was a shaky start for the event as there were obvious breaches in logistics, resulting from the malfunctioning of some equipment in the TINAPA Business Resort. The organizers quickly addressed the shortcomings, and assured that such lapses would be subsequently addressed.<\/p>\n

A new programme for family leisure and relaxation was also introduced as part of the event, and the lush and exciting water parks and games arcade within TINAPA Business Resort filled the quest of the participants for fun.<\/p>\n

Highlights of the event were a visit to the Slave Museum and historical sites, including a trip to Obudu Ranch.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beemene Taneh<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government is gradually opening up new frontiers of development in the Niger Delta, especially in the oil and gas industry. The recently concluded 34th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigeria Council\u2019s Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2010 at Tinapa, Calabar, was a clear testimony that the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n