SPE to highlight Crude oil theft at its conference

Apparently concerned about the growing menace of crude oil theft which has been bedevilling the Nigeria oil and gas industry over the years, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has decided to give it the necessary prominence in its forthcoming conference 2013 Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) as it provides world-class opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking and marketing of products and technology.

NAICE, which is adjudged as the leading oil and gas industry technical conference in sub-Saharan Africa, is slated to hold from Tuesday 30th July – Thursday 1st August.

Osayande Igiehon, chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, while addressing journalists last week, said: “There will also be two topical panel sessions that will feature high profile technocrats giving their views on the current status, challenges, progress and solutions on two key topics ‘Human Capital Development as Enabler to Grow Africa’s Oil & Gas Production’ and ‘Crude Oil Theft: Implications for Nigeria and Possible Remedies’.

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As you know, crude oil theft has become one of the biggest threats that the Nigerian onshore oil and gas industry is facing today; hence SPE is elevating this subject for attention, discussion, education and building coalition for resolution.”

The 2013 conference, which is expected to be attended by at least 1200 delegates, would focus on “To Grow Africa’s Oil and Gas Production: Required Policy, Funding, Technology, Techniques & Capabilities”, given the aspirations of established, emerging and prospective African oil and gas producing countries.

According to Igiedon, the conference aims to provide a robust platform to help governments, industry and academia position for the aspired production growth, which will be crucial to achieving needed economic growth in Africa and meeting the world’s growing energy needs.

The conference, being the 37th edition, will also feature the biggest oil and gas industry exhibition in sub-Saharan Africa that will feature over 60 organisations comprising international oil companies, overseas companies, indigenous companies, academic institutions and professional organisations. It is scheduled for July 30, said Igiedon.