Sahara Upstream Positions Arahas, SGIR for Next Phase of Growth, Deepens Investment in African Oilfield Service
VERSION 1
Sahara Upstream is accelerating the next phase of its oilfield services strategy, strengthening Arahas Global Oilfield Services (Arahas) and SGIR Rigs and Energy Limited as integrated platforms designed to support growing demand for world-class upstream services across Africa.
As part of this strategic direction, Sahara has appointed Gopi Nath as Director, Oilfield Services, with responsibility for providing strategic oversight for both businesses as they drive operational integration, expand service capabilities, and deliver greater value across the upstream value chain.
The development reflects Sahara’s continued investment in building indigenous oilfield services capacity capable of supporting Africa’s evolving energy landscape through engineering excellence, operational reliability, innovation, and sustainable execution.
Speaking on the appointment, Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, said the next phase of growth for Africa’s upstream industry will depend on strong regional service companies with the capability to execute increasingly complex projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
“Building resilient energy systems requires equally resilient service businesses,” Odunsi said. “Arahas and SGIR are strategically positioned to deliver the technical expertise, operational excellence, and customer-focused solutions required by operators across the continent. Gopi’s appointment strengthens our ability to accelerate that ambition.”
He noted that Sahara continues to invest in businesses that create long-term value across Africa’s energy sector.
“Our objective is not simply to grow two businesses. We are building integrated service platforms capable of supporting exploration, drilling, engineering, project delivery, and production operations at a standard that competes globally while remaining rooted in Africa.”
Arahas was established to deliver high-impact oilfield services anchored on engineering excellence, operational reliability, innovation, and sustainability, while SGIR provides drilling, engineering, project execution, and field support services that enhance operational efficiency across upstream operations.
Together, both businesses form a critical component of Sahara Upstream’s long-term strategy to strengthen local capacity, improve execution, and provide integrated solutions across the upstream value chain.
Commenting on his appointment, Gopi Nath said Sahara has built strong foundations for creating one of Africa’s leading oilfield services platforms.
“This is an exciting period for Sahara’s oilfield services business. We have exceptional talent, established capabilities, and a clear strategic direction.
“My focus will be on strengthening collaboration across Arahas and SGIR, enhancing customer value, driving execution excellence, and expanding our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of Africa’s energy industry.”
He added that the businesses would continue setting new benchmarks for safety, innovation, operational performance, and stakeholder value while supporting sustainable energy development across the continent.
VERSION 2
Sahara Strengthens Upstream Services Platform, Advances Beyond XXX Vision for Africa’s Energy Future
Sahara Upstream has strengthened its integrated oilfield services platform with the appointment of Gopi Nath as Director, Oilfield Services, reinforcing the company’s Beyond XXX commitment to building future-ready businesses that will support Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
In his new role, Nath will provide strategic oversight for Arahas Global Oilfield Services (Arahas) and SGIR Rigs and Energy Limited, leading the continued transformation of both businesses into integrated service platforms focused on operational excellence, innovation, customer value, and sustainable growth.
The appointment forms part of Sahara Upstream’s broader transformation following its organisational restructuring and reflects the company’s long-term strategy of investing in the people, capabilities, and systems required to shape the future of energy in Africa.
Speaking on the appointment, Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, said leadership remains central to delivering Sahara’s long-term growth ambitions.
“As we advance our Beyond XXX agenda, we are intentionally building businesses that are equipped for the future,” Odunsi said.
“That means investing in leadership, strengthening capabilities, embracing innovation, and creating integrated service platforms that deliver smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions across Africa’s energy value chain.”
He said the appointment reinforces Sahara’s commitment to developing businesses capable of supporting Africa’s changing energy needs.
“Our vision extends beyond operational growth. We are building future-ready businesses that create lasting value for customers, partners, host communities, and the wider energy industry.
Gopi’s appointment reflects our confidence in his ability to unlock synergies, strengthen execution, and position Arahas and SGIR for long-term success.”
Arahas continues to provide engineering-led oilfield services built around operational reliability, safety, innovation, and sustainability, while SGIR delivers drilling, engineering, project execution, and field support services that enhance production performance across upstream operations.
Together, the businesses represent an important part of Sahara’s strategy to strengthen indigenous service capability while supporting responsible energy development across Africa.
Commenting on his appointment, Gopi Nath said the organisation is well positioned for its next phase of transformation.
“This is an exciting period for Sahara’s oilfield services business. We have strong foundations, exceptional talent, and a clear strategic direction.
‘My focus will be on strengthening collaboration across our service companies, driving execution excellence, enhancing customer value, and building scalable platforms that contribute meaningfully to Africa’s energy aspirations.”
He added that the goal is to build oilfield services businesses that establish new benchmarks for reliability, safety, innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder value while helping shape the future of oilfield services across Africa.
The appointment reinforces Sahara’s Beyond XXX philosophy, which focuses on building the capabilities, partnerships, and platforms that will define the next chapter of Africa’s energy future through responsible growth, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
