"Businesses in Nigeria grapple with various hurdles, particularly in procurement and currency fluctuations, which significantly impact their operations."

Nelson Kosile

MANAGING DIRECTOR, IKOSH NIGERIA

July 10, 2024

Can you introduce Ikosh Nigeria?

Ikosh Nigeria was initially founded in 2013 with construction as our focus, but we relaunched in 2016 with a renewed focus on oil and gas. We have experienced substantial growth, evolving from a small team of four to a team of 39 professionals. We continue to expand our operations and seek to attract top-tier talent to propel our growth trajectory further. Over time, we recognized the immense potential within oil and gas, shifting our focus to cater specifically to the oil and gas sector. This transition allowed the company to leverage its expertise and resources effectively, positioning itself as a formidable player in the energy market.  We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the need of clients in the oil and gas sector, including a partnership with Emerson, which allows us to offer world class products. Our services include procurement, engineering consulting, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. The demand for our services remains consistently high, driven by the evolving landscape of the industry. Clients depend on our expertise to navigate complex challenges, optimize processes, and achieve growth in a competitive environment.

How do you cater to both major oil companies and marginal field operators?

Ikosh Nigeria adopts a versatile approach to cater to the needs of both major oil companies and marginal field operators. The company recognizes the importance of fostering strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, regardless of their scale or prominence. We envision playing a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of marginal field operators, as they are the future of Nigeria's energy landscape. Addressing these operational challenges is crucial for unlocking the full potential of these operators and driving sustainable growth in the energy sector. The company aims to align its vision with the objectives of its clients, offering tailored solutions and services to facilitate their success and contribute to the overall advancement of the sector.

What are some of the challenges faced by businesses operating in Nigeria?

Businesses in Nigeria grapple with various hurdles, particularly in procurement and currency fluctuations, which significantly impact their operations. Procurement processes often entail navigating bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies, leading to delays and increased costs, while currency fluctuations pose risks by affecting import costs and overall financial stability. These challenges necessitate proactive measures and strategic planning to ensure operational resilience. Additionally, taxes are burdensome to the industry, affecting profitability and hindering growth opportunities. To stimulate growth, there should be tax incentives and tax holidays tailored for the energy sector to encourage investment, foster innovation, and spur economic growth in Nigeria. The Nigerian business landscape has undergone significant transformation over the years, driven by changes in government policies and executive orders. The current administration has implemented reforms aimed at streamlining business processes, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and promoting investment in key sectors such as energy. Executive orders have been instrumental in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance, fostering an environment conducive to business growth and development.

What are Ikosh Nigeria’s ambitions for the future?

We want to expand our footprint in the energy sector and are actively pursuing licensing opportunities that align with our strategy. Additionally, it is important to optimize our existing operations, streamline processes, and leverage technology to drive productivity and profitability. The company's growth strategy encompasses diversification of services, strategic partnerships, and investment in talent and technology. By capitalizing on emerging opportunities, staying agile in a dynamic market, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, we are confident in our ability to achieve ambitious growth targets and establish ourselves as a leader in the energy sector. Ikosh Nigeria harbors ambitious goals for the future, envisioning itself as a comprehensive solution provider in the energy sector. The company aims to expand its operations into production and refining, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to enhance its capabilities. By positioning the company as a one-stop shop for energy-related services, we seek to capitalize on emerging opportunities, drive innovation, and solidify its position as a market leader.

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