Contract delays hindering growth in Nigeria’s oil industry — Onyekwere
Houston (USA) May 2026 (TBL Africa) Mr Chris Onyekwere, the Executive Director of WIAFRI Well Services, says persistent delays in Nigeria’s oil and gas contracting process are still slowing industry growth despite ongoing reforms aimed at shortening approval timelines.
Onyekwere disclosed in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, USA
Speaking on the state of operations in the sector, Onyekwere said although the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) had introduced reforms aimed at shortening contract approval timelines, operators and indigenous service providers were still experiencing significant delays.
According to him, while progress has been made, the industry has not yet achieved the level of efficiency being projected.
“The changes within the contracting cycle are ongoing and we believe there is still room for improvement,” he said.
“We cannot completely dismiss the efforts of the NCDMB because some progress has been recorded, but the reality is that the six-month contracting cycle is not yet being fully achieved.”
He noted that delays in project approvals and contract execution continue to affect operators, service providers and investors across the industry.
“It is a concern to everyone waiting for contracts and projects to be fast-tracked. What is being announced is not exactly what is happening on the ground, but we believe improvement is possible,” he said.
Onyekwere attributed some of the delays to entrenched interests within the system, saying certain contract holders may benefit from prolonged approval processes.
“Sometimes, there are people already holding contracts who may not want the process to move quickly for reasons best known to them,” he said.
“I am not accusing anybody directly, but these are realities within the industry that must be addressed if reforms are to succeed.”
He urged regulators and industry stakeholders to remain committed to implementing reforms without excuses, stressing that a faster contracting process was critical to improving efficiency, attracting investment and boosting local participation in the oil and gas sector.
Speaking on WEAFRI Well Services’ operations, Onyekwere said the company had continued to expand its footprint and technology offerings after 38 years in the business.
He said the company specialises in well intervention, well construction, cementation, coiled tubing, nitrogen services, well control and slickline operations.
According to him, the company has also introduced advanced corrosion control technology targeted at offshore oil facilities.
Onyekwere explained that corrosion on offshore risers and facilities had remained a major challenge for operators, often requiring divers to carry out costly underwater repairs.
He, however, said WEAFRI had entered into an alliance with a Malaysian technology firm to deploy a modern solution known as Helicoid Sleeve technology, which allows repairs and refurbishment to be carried out from offshore platforms without sending divers underwater.
“Today, operators can work on corroded risers directly from the platform without exposing divers to deep-water risks,” he said.
“The technology helps to refurbish and protect offshore facilities more efficiently while extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure.”
He added that the company had expanded beyond Nigeria into Uganda, India and Kuwait due to the quality of its industrial services and growing demand from international clients.
“We are growing because we continue to deliver the services our clients require, and that gives us confidence about the future,” he said.
