Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has reaffirmed the importance of strong support services in the oil and gas sector, pledging government backing for indigenous companies.

During a tour of Caverton’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Training Centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Lokpobiri underscored the need for robust logistics as the industry faces major divestments. He praised Caverton Helicopters for its world-class infrastructure and zero-casualty safety record, calling it a “pacesetter” in aviation services.

“The commitment to fostering innovation and operational excellence in the industry remains unwavering. Indigenous service providers must be well-positioned to support the evolving needs of our oil and gas sector, and every necessary measure will be taken to enhance their capacity,” he said.

“I have seen training centres abroad, and I can confidently say that Caverton stands out. Caverton is a pacesetter,” he said. “I am also pleased to hear that pilots trained here are gainfully employed internationally. Whatever is needed to support our partnership will be done.”

Caverton’s Chairman, Aderemi Makanjuola, and CEO, Olabode Makanjuola, highlighted the company’s dominance in offshore logistics, with over 70% market share, serving major oil firms such as Shell, Chevron, and NNPC. They emphasised their commitment to expanding Nigeria’s oil production capacity and strengthening local content development.

Lokpobiri assured that the federal government would support indigenous service providers, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving oil and gas landscape.