The Managing Director and CEO of Global Process & Pipeline Services Limited (GPPSL), Obi Uzu, has emphasised the need for a thorough understanding of the energy sector’s intricacies to advance global collaboration and attract expertise.
  
Coming at a time when the energy sector is undergoing significant transformation, the call for a deeper understanding of the sector’s dynamics resonates strongly as collaboration becomes more critical in tackling global energy challenges.
  
Uzu made the charge during a session with the sub-theme, “Sustainability and the Future of Content Development in Africa’s Energy Sector,” at the recently concluded Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2024. 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 regressing to low output. He further underscored the critical role of innovation in capacity building and sustainable development within the industry.
  
“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.
  
Uzu highlighted three pivotal metrics – competence, capacity and collaboration – as the crucial factors for driving progress in the energy sector.
Competence, according to Uzu, encapsulates the imperative of comprehensive knowledge, training, and continuous research and development (R&D). 
  
Furthermore, Uzu elaborated on the significance of robust R&D efforts and collaboration, both internally and externally. He cited instances where his company, GPPSL, leveraged its knowledge and expertise to modify equipment for deep-water operations, thereby staying ahead of the curve in innovation. This ability to bridge the gap between client needs and available solutions underscores the importance of continuous competence development.
  
In terms of capacity, Uzu emphasized the necessity of deploying adequate resources to fulfill commitments and deliverables. He highlighted GPPSL’s commitment to investing in competency development programs, evidenced by sending 27 Nigerian professionals to prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cambridge Universities.
  
“This strategic investment not only builds expertise in-house but also ensures long-term loyalty and sustainability within the organisation”, he said.

Collaboration was the highlight of Uzu’s presentation, offering a means to mitigate risks and scale up operations effectively. By partnering with companies globally and tapping into diverse pools of expertise, he said, GPPS Limited has expanded its capabilities and enhanced its competitiveness within the energy sector.
  
Uzu’s insights underscored the imperative for industry players to prioritize competence, capacity building, and collaboration to drive sustainable development in Africa’s energy sector.