Oil & Gas
NIGERIA must strengthen local engineering capacity and invest in indigenous technology to compete effectively in the global economy, says Mr Fatai Quadri, CEO, Alfa Design Nigeria Ltd.
Quadri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that sustainable development depends on supporting innovation, empowering manufacturers and promoting local engineering solutions.
He said Alfa Design was established to improve lives through engineering solutions within the oil and gas sector.
“Every investment and innovation we pursue is driven by that vision,” he said.
Quadri said the company had invested heavily in research and development, producing indigenous technologies capable of competing with international products.
He cited the firm’s patented SmartCom Unit, designed to improve surface wellhead operations and address industry-specific challenges.
“Engineering excellence is not exclusive to any region. African professionals possess the expertise to develop world-class technologies,” he said.
On energy transition, Quadri said Alfa Design had become an active player through investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure and technology.
He said the company produces conversion kits, develops gas stations and designs gas transfer equipment with integrated booster systems.
According to him, the company’s involvement in the sector extends beyond profit-making to addressing national challenges through sustainable, market-driven solutions.
“Our objective is to make CNG adoption economically attractive by helping users recover investments through long-term fuel savings,” he said.
Quadri said Alfa Design aimed to remain a major contributor to Nigeria’s industrial development and economic growth over the next five years.
Assessing local content policies, he acknowledged government efforts but said bureaucracy continued to limit their effectiveness.
He noted that duty waivers on imported equipment were often undermined by lengthy procedures and additional administrative costs.
“Government should simplify implementation processes and remove operational bottlenecks before policies are executed,” he said.
Quadri recommended streamlined approvals, stronger inter-agency coordination and improved public awareness of available incentives.
Addressing financing challenges, he said funding constraints reflected wider structural issues within the oil and gas industry.
He cited delayed payments, legacy debts and extended settlement periods as factors increasing financial risks for lenders.
“Contracts once settled within 45 days can now remain unpaid for years, eroding profits and complicating loan repayments,” he said.
Rather than focusing solely on funding, Quadri called for reforms to improve payment discipline and restore investor confidence.
He advocated greater support for local manufacturing, technology development, affordable financing and tax incentives for indigenous firms.
Quadri said expanding local production would reduce capital flight, conserve foreign exchange and create employment opportunities.
He cited the SmartCom Unit, patented in Nigeria and filed for patent protection in the United States, as proof of local capability.
“We should prioritise locally developed technologies whenever they meet required technical standards,” he said.
Quadri also highlighted Alfa Design’s achievements in greenhouse gas monitoring and fugitive emissions management.
He revealed that the company had established Africa’s only authorised Optical Gas Imaging operator training centre in Lagos.
“The facility enables Nigerian professionals to obtain certification locally, reducing dependence on overseas training programmes.
“Localising specialised training reduces capital flight and strengthens Nigeria’s technical workforce,” he said.
Quadri explained that greenhouse gas monitoring had become a global compliance requirement because emissions contribute to climate change.
He said Alfa Design’s investments had reduced reliance on foreign specialists for greenhouse gas monitoring services by over 50 per cent.
Quadri stressed that meaningful industrial growth requires commitment to local content beyond policy declarations.
He urged government, operators and industry stakeholders to support indigenous engineering firms delivering globally competitive solutions.
He said: “Every successful local innovation retains wealth, creates jobs, builds expertise and contributes to national development.
“We must be serious about building our own capacity. No country develops without investing in local industries and engineering talent.” (NAN)
F.O
Tags: CEO Local engineering