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The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has described Caverton Helicopters Company as a pacesetter and leader in the Nigerian aviation sector worthy of emulation.
Lokpobiri stated this on Wednesday during a facility tour of the company’s state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul training centre located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
He emphasised that the investment and facility is at par with what is obtained in the developed world.
Lokpobiri added that the facility has not only distinguished Caverton, but has sent another message acknowledging the untiring effort of the company in making Nigeria proud as an indigenous aviation company majoring in MRO, as well as a training hub.
The minister pointed out that 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 shores 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 centres 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 needs to be done will be done to make our partnership a success. I also commend you for your records of zero casualties,” Lokpobiri said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, thanked the Minister for visiting the training hub to witness the great things that are happening in the Nigerian aviation sector through the company.
“Everything is processed from training to 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,” Makanjuola said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr Olabode Makanjuola, said he is honoured to host the minister and also showcase the company’s facilities and 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 the nation’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 our esteemed partners, including Shell, Chevron, Total, NAOC, and NNPC, among others. We look forward to continuing this legacy of collaboration,” he said.
According to Makanjuola, the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to elevate Nigeria’s oil production to two million barrels per day is an ambitious and commendable goal.
He added that Caverton recognises that achieving this target requires seamless and efficient logistics solutions, particularly in offshore helicopter logistics.
“Our strategic investments in our first-ever MRO facility, hangars, and training centre position us to support this vision effectively. As we strive to enhance our capacity and capabilities, we are eager to partner with the Petroleum Ministry and agencies such as the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board. 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,” he said.
He announced that in the coming months, the company would be embarking on a strategic investment drive aimed at attracting new investors and further enhancing their operational capacities.
He highlighted that the initiative is crucial not only for the growth of the company but also for the overall development of the 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.
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 Offshores Support Group, Mr Remi Makanjuola, for his welcome remark.
Among personalities who joined to receive the minister included Chairman Caverton Helicopters, Mallam Bello Gwandu; Non-Executive Director Caverton Offshore Support Group; Chief Operating Officer COSG Mr Rotimi Makanjuola; Managing Director/Accountable Manager Caverton Helicopters; Captain Ibrahim Bello, Director Corporate Services Caverton Helicopters; Mr Ayo Omueti, amongst others.
