Eta Directors Help to Shape Nigeria Oil and Gas Future

2 Jun

*L-R: Dr. Tim Okon (Senior Technical Adviser to Minister); Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in Nigeria)*

Two executive directors of Eta Energy Solutions – Engr. Sodi Toby (Managing Director) and Dr. Ebe Weli (Director) were part of a delegation of Nigerian-born oil and gas experts in diaspora who met with the Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources – Ibe Kachikwu in Abuja recently. The meeting was held on the 11th May 2017 to discuss reforms in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

*L-R: Engr. Sodi Toby (MD, Eta Energy Solutions); Dr Tim Okon (STA to the Minister)*

There were indications that the minister was prepared to make use of every opportunity available to him to deepen reforms in the critical oil and gas sector. Dr. Weli and Engr. Toby were part of a delegation from The Global Nigerian Forum (an association of well-respected oil and gas experts of Nigerian descent in diaspora) who held discussions with the minister. The objective of the group was to tender significant proposals and recommendations that will contribute to the ongoing reforms of the oil and gas sector in the country.

These proposals and recommendations were the outcome of a workshop held on the 14th of January, 2017 in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen workshop attracted over 70 talented oil and gas leaders within the Nigerian diaspora community in Europe. The workshop (of which Eta Energy Solutions was one of the sponsoring companies) was held to review draft oil and gas policies as well as the new vision for oil & gas in Nigeria (The 7 Big Wins). The conference proved a success and its main findings and recommendations were core to the proposals being presented to the minister at this parley in May 2017.

*L-R: Austin Uzoka (Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Shell Nigeria); Dr. Ebe Weli (Director, Eta Energy Solutions); Dr. Paul Eke*

The delegation presented the Ministry of Petroleum Resources with two key documents culled from the workshop. These are the Executive Summary on New Nigeria Oil & Gas Framework and Policy, Policy Consultation Workshop Europe, 14th January 2017, Aberdeen and the Policy Consultation Report: Recommendations and Proceedings, New Nigerian Oil & Gas Framework and Policy: The Policy Consultation Workshop in Europe. In response to receiving the documents and recommendations, the minister said “we are not taking your assignment and concern for the development of the nation’s resources lightly… by the next 24 months, we should be able to point to what has been achieved. It all requires collective efforts.”

Furthermore, the minister said that the Nigerian oil and gas sector had been under the control of a few interest groups for so long. He however reiterated that the government, through the ongoing reforms was determined to open up the industry to all who can contribute meaningfully to it in a new era of transparency. The minister observed that Nigeria had bountiful human and material resources of international repute, adding “… when you have those resources, you really cannot understand why this country should not do far better than it has done.”

*Ceremonial 7 Big Wins cake presented to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria*

The Global Nigerian Forum commended the great strides in reforms that were being made by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and pledged its support and assistance in implementing the ongoing reform being led by the Minister of State.

The event was adequately covered by reputable national and international media. For more details, see links below:

L-R: Engr. Sodi Toby (Eta Energy Solutions); Goke Oshunniyi; Abi Ogunsakin; Dr. Ebe Weli (Eta Energy Solutions; Dr. Paul Eke; Ayo Shote; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (Minister of State for Petroleum Resources); Austin Uzoka (Shell); Dr. Jesse Andrawus (AIMRE); Timi Wolo; Dr. Mark Igeahon

NEWSPAPERS

TV

BEN TV (coverage commences from 12.40 minutes)

Sodi Toby

Sodi serves as our Managing Director and Projects Director. He has management and technical oversight across our offices. He graduated from the University of Sussex, UK with a first class MSc in Turbomachinery. Sodi has a track record of successfully managing production optimization and field development studies for major oil and gas companies internationally. He is an expert in gas compression and integrated asset modelling with more than a decade experience. In his career, the value he has provided in these areas has led to significant decisions which have provided immense production and project benefits for several operating companies. He has previously held senior roles including Head of Projects and Management Team Leader in a reputable engineering consulting firm from which he left to start up Eta Energy Solutions. He has also in previous roles, led software development teams in developing bespoke integrated asset modelling software. Sodi is a Chartered Engineer, professionally recognized by the Engineering Council (UK) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a professionally recognised member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He speaks regularly and presents technical papers at international oil and gas conferences across the world.