Determined to expand its indigenous capacity, Sahara Upstream has begun to strengthen its oilfield services to position its operations towards meeting growing demand for technically advanced upstream services across Africa.
Aside from that, the company has appointed Gopi Nath as Director, Oilfield Services, giving him strategic oversight of Arahas Global Oilfield Services (Arahas) and SGIR Rigs and Energy Limited (SGIR), as the two businesses move towards deeper integration and expanded service capabilities.
The decision was said to be part of Sahara’s long-term investment in building competitive African oilfield services companies capable of supporting increasingly complex exploration, drilling, engineering, project execution and production activities across the continent.
According to the company, the move is designed to strengthen operational coordination, improve customer value and create an integrated platform capable of delivering services across the upstream value chain.
Speaking on the appointment through a statement received from the firm yesterday, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, Ade Odunsi, said the next phase of growth in Africa’s upstream industry would depend significantly on the capacity of regional service companies to deliver complex projects safely, efficiently and sustainably.
“Building resilient energy systems requires equally resilient service businesses. And 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.”
Odunsi said Sahara’s strategy was not limited to expanding the two businesses individually, but focused on developing integrated service platforms with the capabilities to compete internationally while retaining a strong African base.
“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,” he said.
Arahas provides engineering-led oilfield services built around operational reliability, innovation and sustainability, while SGIR provides drilling, engineering, project execution and field support services for upstream operations.
The integration of the two businesses is expected to broaden Sahara Upstream’s service offering while strengthening its ability to provide end-to-end support to operators and other industry stakeholders.
The development comes amid renewed efforts across Africa’s oil and gas industry to deepen local participation and develop indigenous technical and service capabilities.
As operators pursue greater efficiency amid evolving market conditions, service companies with strong engineering expertise, local knowledge and operational capabilities are expected to play an increasingly important role in the continent’s upstream sector.
Sahara said its investment in the businesses reflects its commitment to developing capabilities that can support the changing requirements of Africa’s energy industry.
Commenting on his appointment, Nath said the two businesses had the talent and capabilities required to enter their next phase of growth.
“This is an exciting period for Sahara’s oilfield services business. We have exceptional talent, established capabilities, and a clear strategic direction,” he said.
“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 to focus on safety, innovation, operational performance and stakeholder value while supporting sustainable energy development across the continent.
The appointment further strengthens Sahara Upstream’s strategy of investing in people, capabilities and platforms that can support the future growth of Africa’s energy sector.
With the continent continuing to pursue new upstream investment while seeking greater local participation in oil and gas activities, Sahara’s move signals an effort to position its service businesses for a larger role in the region’s evolving energy landscape.
The company said Arahas and SGIR would continue to build their capabilities and expand their service offerings as they seek to support operators across Africa and contribute to the development of a stronger indigenous oilfield services industry.