How GGI International Nigeria Ltd Is Delivering Indigenous Excellence in Oil and Gas Value Chain

In the wake of divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria, indigenous oil and gas firms have stepped up to demonstrate resilience and capability. Among the standout performers is GGI International Nigeria Limited, a fully indigenous enterprise redefining service delivery in Nigeria’s energy sector, says the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of GGI International Nigeria Limited, Dr. Innocent Akuvue, who was at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), Houston-Texas, in May

GGI International Nigeria Limited specializes in the supply of high-quality oilfield specialty and commodity chemicals, corrosion and asset integrity management, and engineering services tailored for clients across the Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream segments. Its expertise spans Exploration and Production, Drilling and Completion, Refining, Petrochemicals, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) operations.

Backed by a team of highly experienced professionals, GGI delivers innovative, client-specific solutions using industry best practices and global standards. The company’s operational capacity is supported by a robust infrastructure, including cutting-edge laboratories, expansive warehouses, and a multi-functional blending and production plant strategically located to ensure efficient service delivery.

The company’s warehouses, located in Port Harcourt and Lagos, are engineered to store chemical products for up to 6–12 months under optimal conditions. Each facility is equipped with modern safety features—including fire extinguishers, emergency showers, eyewash stations, and ample ventilation—ensuring safe and efficient material handling.

According to Akuvue, GGI’s in-country blending and production facility is designed and commissioned in alignment with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) guidelines. This facility enables the company to formulate and deliver application-specific chemical products that meet client specifications without the delays and logistics challenges often associated with international procurement.

GGI’s Expanding Prospects in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

Akuvue has expressed optimism about the company’s growing impact within the oil and gas industry, particularly in local chemical production and application-specific solutions.

Reflecting on recent milestones, Akuvue said: “One of our most significant achievements lies in our ability to produce specialty chemicals locally. While we’re not yet operating at full capacity, we’ve made commendable progress. Currently, we are producing essential chemicals such as detergents, hypochlorite, and oxygen scavengers, among others. This positions us well in the local content space, which remains a key focus for us.”

Beyond product development, GGI has also expanded its client base across multiple sectors while maintaining a stronghold in oil and gas. “The oil and gas sector is our core, our bread and butter, which we manage with utmost care. However, we’re also making inroads into other sectors, and our bilateral growth reflects this diversification,” he explained.

The company’s production capabilities have significantly improved over time. “In the past, we operated with a 5,000-liter blending capacity using basic GP tanks, what I jokingly refer to as ‘uncooked beans.’ Today, we’ve scaled up to a 21,000-liter capacity in Port Harcourt and up to 10,000 liters in Lagos, where we utilize makeshift reactors, isotanks, and storm reactor tanks,” Akuvue further said.

GGI also continues to push boundaries in field applications. “We conduct field trials across service areas that demand precision and adaptability. Our applications engineering team is well-versed and constantly innovating to address formulation challenges. This enables us to deliver client-specific chemical solutions tailored to different environments and sectoral needs,” he added.

Renewable Energy Landscape: GGI’s Net-Zero Commitment

As part of its broader sustainability strategy, GGI International Nigeria Limited is actively integrating renewable energy solutions into its operations. According to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Dr. Innocent Akuvue, the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by transitioning from diesel-powered systems to cleaner alternatives, while ensuring operational efficiency across its facilities.

“We’re migrating our diesel engine forklifts to gas-powered models as part of our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. We firmly believe that renewable energy is the future, and our facilities are already being powered by sustainable energy sources,” Akuvue explained.

A notable example is GGI’s adoption of solar inverter systems for power supply at its operational sites. “When you visited, you may have noticed we were fully operational without grid power. That’s because we’re running on solar. While we have backup generators, they’re rarely used, we want to stay true to our net-zero goals,” he said.

GGI’s renewable initiatives also extend to community development. In Port Harcourt, the company has installed solar-powered streetlights to improve security and ensure consistent lighting for surrounding communities. This initiative reflects GGI’s commitment to shared value and environmental stewardship.

The company’s energy transition is also driven by data-informed decision-making. Akuvue emphasised the importance of customer engagement in forecasting demand. “We regularly request annual product forecasts from our clients. This allows us to optimize inventory, prioritize production, and negotiate more effectively with suppliers,” he said.

The proactive approach supports GGI’s inventory and supply chain management, balancing in-house production with strategic partnerships and storage planning. “Not everything is automated yet, and warehouse space has its limits. But with solid supplier relationships and intelligent forecasting, we cushion against price fluctuations and maintain over 90% confidence in meeting our clients’ needs,” he added.

The Future of GGI: A Vision for the Next Five Years

Looking ahead, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of GGI International Nigeria Limited, Engr. Dr. Innocent Akuvue, envisions the company evolving into a comprehensive hub for chemical solutions, well beyond the traditional scope of product supply.

“In the next three to five years, I see GGI becoming a go-to hub for tailored, environment-specific chemical solutions, not just a company that sells products, but one that provides complete, intelligent solutions to our clients’ operational challenges. We are not in the business of buying and selling chemicals; we are chemical solution providers,” Akuvue stated.

GGI’s forward strategy involves continuous diversification, driven by a desire to meet the increasingly complex and unique needs of its clients. “Our clients operate in diverse environments, and each setting presents different chemical demands. GGI is positioning itself to adapt to these needs, delivering not only the right formulations but also the technical expertise to apply them effectively,” he explained.

Akuvue likens GGI’s future to an intuitive, indispensable service. “Just as someone instinctively reaches for a cold drink on a hot day, we want our clients to instinctively think of GGI when they need chemical-based solutions. That’s the level of presence and reliability we are building.”

He also commended the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local content capacity through the Nigerian Oil Company (NOC) framework. “We’re proud to play an active role in advancing Nigeria’s local content agenda. It’s a matter of national pride and responsibility, to deliver solutions by Nigerians, for Nigerians,” he emphasised.

Robust Warehousing Capability: Enabling Reliable Chemical Storage and Supply

GGI International Nigeria Limited boasts an extensive warehousing infrastructure designed to meet the storage, handling, and safety requirements of a diverse range of chemical products. The company’s facilities are strategically located to support seamless operations and ensure timely delivery to clients across Nigeria’s energy sector.

At its administrative and operational headquarters, GGI operates two purpose-built warehouses:

One dedicated to bagged products, with a volumetric capacity of 4,050 m³ on a land area of 450 m², and another for drummed products, offering 4,252.5 m³ capacity on 472.5 m² of land.

These are further supported by an annexe warehousing complex in Port Harcourt, comprising: A 15,132 m³ warehouse extension; and Two controlled chemical sheds with capacities of 4,600 m³ and 1,260 m³, respectively.

Additionally, the company maintains a satellite warehouse facility in Lagos, strategically positioned to serve its growing client base in the western corridor.

Each warehouse is built-for-purpose, well-ventilated, and outfitted with rigorous safety features, including regularly maintained fire extinguishers, clearly displayed safety signage, and PPE-controlled access. These standards ensure that stored products maintain their integrity and shelf life as recommended by manufacturers.

With this infrastructure, GGI is capable of stockpiling chemical products for client use over periods extending beyond six months, supporting both just-in-time and call-off supply arrangements.

Complementing its warehousing strength is GGI’s state-of-the-art laboratory, which ensures consistent quality control of all chemical products. The facility is aligned with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) objectives, providing in-country testing and analysis to reduce reliance on external laboratories and promote local capacity development.

The integrated warehousing and quality assurance system enables GGI to deliver reliable, safe, and efficient service to its clients—reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and industrial sectors.