As Nigeria intensifies its push for local content and self-reliance in the oil and gas industry, indigenous engineering firm, Western Development Company Limited (WDCL), has entered a strategic partnership with Indian manufacturer, Rolon Seals, to bridge longstanding gaps in oilfield equipment supply and maintenance.

The partnership, announced during the Nigerian Oil and Gas Week in Abuja on Wednesday, aims to enhance local capacity for manufacturing and servicing critical components, such as mechanical seals, which are widely used in pumps, refineries, and industrial facilities. It also seeks to expand access to energy infrastructure support services.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the continued reliance on imported equipment, delays in project execution, and the divestment of major international oil companies (IOCs) from onshore assets, which have exposed Nigeria’s vulnerability in energy infrastructure management.

Speaking at the event, WDCL’s Chief Operating Officer, Obinna Okoroigwe, stated that the company’s collaboration with Rolon Seals is a deliberate step toward addressing these challenges and aligning with the Federal Government’s local content mandate.

Okoroigwe observed that as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign contractors and improve in-country technical capacity, his firm is aligning its operations to meet those national goals.

He noted that the company’s work spans critical engineering and infrastructure services ranging from mechanical and electrical construction to civil and instrumentation support across onshore and offshore projects.

He added that the company has begun repositioning itself to enter more strategic parts of the energy value chain, including oil drilling, well maintenance, and offshore marine logistics.

“These are gaps that must be filled locally if Nigeria is serious about building a resilient and self-reliant energy sector,” he said. He added that the firm is also engaging in ICT and telecommunications support, which remains essential to modern oilfield operations.

General Manager of Operations at WDCL, Onilede Solomon, noted that the company’s services span key sectors, including mechanical, electrical, IT, and marine security and that the firm has long-standing relationships with Shell, Chevron, Mobil, and NNPC.

Rolon Seals’ manager, Jonathan Praveen, said the Nigerian market offers a strategic base for continental expansion.

He said their long-term plan includes building a local technical hub, training Nigerian personnel, and establishing faster, in-country supply chains.

“We have been in the sealing business for over 25 years. These products are common and essential in many industries”, he said.