Lokpobiri Lauds Caverton’s Potential For Oil & Gas Sector Growth

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has emphasised the pivotal role companies like Caverton Helicopters Company can play in driving growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The minister stated  this  during a facility tour of the state of the art  of the company’s  aircraft Maintenance,  Repair and Overhaul (MRO) training centre located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport,  lkeja, Lagos on Wednesday.

Lokpobiri, who described Caverton as a pacesetter and leader in the Nigerian aviation sector worthy of emulation,  with the  investment and facility on ground, which is at par with the developed world has not only distinguished Caverton, the management’s commitment has sent another message acknowledging the untiring effort of Caverton to make Nigeria proud as an indigenous aviation company majoring in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) as well as training hub.

The minister, who said his visit was to see things for himself having heard a lot about the training hub, which has become the go to for training pilots beyond the shore of Nigeria, a testament that with vision and commitment the black race can also make things happen positively in the aviation sector.

“I have seen training centers abroad. I can attest  to it that Caverton stands out. Caverton is a pacesetter. I am very happy to be here today. Let me formally congratulate you. I am also happy to hear that you have pilots who you trained and are gainfully  employed abroad.

“I want to assure you that whatever is needed to be done will be done in order to make our partnership a success.

“I also commend you for your records, so far, of zero casualty,” the minister said.

Earlier on arrival, the minister was taken through a safety briefing by Caverton Helicopters managing director, Captain Ibrahim Bello, before then passing the floor to the chairman of the Caverton Offshore Support Group, Remi Makanjuola, for his welcome remark.

In  a welcoming  address, chairman,  Caverton Offshore Support Group,  Aderemi Makanjuola thanked the minister for the honour to visit the training hub to see for himself the great things that are happening in the Nigerian aviation sector through Caverton.

Speaking further,  Makanjuola said. “Everything is processed from  training to maintainable (maintenance).

We are a proudly Nigerian company whose exploits have continued to attract all and sundry. We are constantly evolving and  expanding  with  cutting edge technology.

We look forward to engaging with you and discussing how we can collectively contribute to the growth and success of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”

Also speaking, the chief executive officer,  Caverton Offshore Support Group, Olabode Makanjuola said he feels  honoured to host  the minister and to showcase the company”s facilities, operations, and the vital role it plays in Nigeria’s aviation and oil and gas sectors.

“As a subsidiary of the Caverton Offshore Support Group, Caverton Helicopters has established itself as a leading indigenous operator in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Our commitment to excellence, safety, and reliability has allowed us to record a historical market share exceeding 70 per cent, making us a key player in providing logistics support for the oil and gas sector. We are proud to serve esteemed partners, including Shell, Chevron, Total, NAOC, and NNPC, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of collaboration.”

Speaking further,  Makanjuola said the vision of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to elevate Nigeria’s oil production to two million barrels per day is an ambitious and commendable goal. At Caverton, we recognise that achieving this target requires seamless and efficient logistics solutions, particularly in offshore helicopter logistics. Our strategic investments in our first ever Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, hangars, and training center position us to support this vision effectively.

“As we strive to enhance our capacity and capabilities, we are eager to partner with the Ministry of Petroleum and agencies such as the NCDMB. Together, we can create a robust framework that not only meets the growing demands of the oil and gas sector but also consolidates our position as a premier service provider in the region championing local content participation and development.

“In the coming months, we will be embarking on a strategic investment drive aimed at attracting new investors and further enhancing our operational capacities. This initiative is crucial not only for our growth but also for the overall development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“We believe that by working hand in hand with the government and industry stakeholders, we can navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that lie before us. Your presence here today signifies a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy sector, and we are excited about the prospects of collaboration,” he stated.

Other top industry personalities who joined the to receive the minister on Wednesday included Chairman, Caverton Helicopters,  Bello Gwandu; non-executive director, Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG); chief operating officer,  COSG, Rotimi Makanjuola,  managing director/accountable manager,  Caverton Helicopters,  Captain Ibrahim Bello, director,  Corporate Services,  Caverton Helicopters, Ayo Omueti amongst others