Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has undergone profound shifts over the past three decades, shaped by global energy trends, local content imperatives, and increasing calls for sustainability. Through this evolution, Hyprops Nigeria Limited has emerged as a resilient and forward-looking oilfield services company. Since its founding in 1997, Hyprops has steadily grown into a trusted provider of integrated engineering and technical services, supporting both upstream and downstream operations. At the helm is Engr. Okezie Akwiwu, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose leadership has guided the company through market turbulence, service diversification, and the integration of innovation with sustainability. In this exclusive conversation with journalists, Akwiwu reflects on Hyprops’ journey, its integrated approach to service delivery, and the role of indigenous firms in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Drivers of Growth and Resilience
Hyprops’ trajectory since 1997 has been underpinned by adaptability, technical excellence, and a clear commitment to Nigerian content. What began as a response to the government’s call for increased local participation in oil and gas has grown into a multi-service company with capabilities spanning Manpower Outsourcing, Supply Chain Management, EPC and EPCM Services, Marine Maintenance, Facilities Operations and Maintenance, Subsea Life of Fields Services, and Machine Shop Services.
“Our growth has been driven by teamwork, shared values, and continuous adaptation,” Akwiwu notes. By diversifying its portfolio to meet evolving client needs and strategically integrating vertically, Hyprops now supports clients across the entire asset lifecycle—from design to decommissioning.
Trust has been another pillar. By consistently delivering on projects and aligning with local content objectives, the company has become a dependable partner to both international oil companies (IOCs) and national oil companies (NOCs).
Integration and Quality as Differentiators
Few indigenous service companies offer Hyprops’ breadth of services. But more than range, it is the integration across service lines that distinguishes the company. “Integration is at the core of our business model,” Akwiwu explains. Cross-disciplinary teams operate under unified management, ensuring projects are executed seamlessly across engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and logistics.
Hyprops also operates under an Integrated Management System certified to ISO 27001, 9001, 14001, and 45001. These certifications guarantee globally recognized standards in quality, safety, and environmental management. The result is a turnkey capability that delivers efficiency, reliability, and cost savings without compromising safety.
Strategic Partnerships and Long-Term Client Relations
In a sector where reputation determines access, Hyprops has earned preferred partner status with major operators by combining innovation with consistent delivery. Strategic alliances with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have brought advanced technologies such as cold repair solutions—Lokring and Coldpad—to Nigeria. These solutions reduce downtime, eliminate hot work risks, and cut costs in both onshore and offshore maintenance.
This innovation-driven approach, coupled with adherence to safety and environmental standards, has reinforced Hyprops’ credibility. “Meeting milestones, managing costs, and maintaining standards are the basis of long-term client trust,” Akwiwu emphasizes.
Sustainability and ESG Alignment
With energy transition and decarbonization at the center of global discourse, Hyprops has integrated sustainability into its operational framework. The company runs an ISO-certified Environmental Management System and has invested in green infrastructure, including a solar-powered corporate headquarters that reduces dependence on fossil fuel-powered generators.
Technology adoption also reflects this sustainability focus. Through partnerships with leading technology providers, Hyprops deploys solutions that minimize carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency. Employee training and local skills development are equally prioritized, ensuring that ESG values translate into real capacity building.
“ESG for us is not a tick-box exercise,” Akwiwu asserts. “It is about integrating ethical standards, transparency, and innovation into every aspect of our operations.”
Strengthening Nigeria’s Oilfield Services Ecosystem
According to Akwiwu, Nigeria’s oilfield services sector has matured significantly, with local content exceeding 50%. Yet challenges persist, especially for undercapitalized indigenous firms. To remain competitive in a transitioning global market, companies must prioritize innovation, skills development, and strategic joint ventures.
Encouragingly, recent government policies on longer-term contracts—stretching five to seven years versus the shorter cycles of the past—are providing indigenous firms with the stability needed to secure financing and invest in assets. “Such policies are critical enablers,” Akwiwu stresses, “helping local companies scale and compete on a global level.”
The NOGICD Act: Progress and Gaps
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 has been instrumental in boosting local participation. Hyprops itself has leveraged the framework to partner with international OEMs and expand service delivery. However, Akwiwu acknowledges lingering implementation gaps. “Weak enforcement remains a challenge,” he says. Strengthening monitoring, certification, and financial support through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will be vital to unlock the Act’s full potential.
Indigenous Role in Energy Transition
Looking forward, Akwiwu believes indigenous service companies must take a proactive role in balancing fossil fuel development with clean energy investments. Opportunities abound in gas monetization, flare gas recovery, and renewable projects such as solar and wind. Hyprops has already partnered with Unitbirwelco to introduce flare gas recovery solutions in Nigeria, converting wasted gas into usable power while reducing emissions.
“Indigenous companies possess the local knowledge and agility needed to deploy these technologies quickly,” he argues. “By improving oil and gas operations while advancing into renewables, Nigeria can build a balanced, future-ready energy mix.”
In conclusion, Hyprops’ rise over nearly three decades underscores the power of resilience, integration, and innovation in Nigeria’s oilfield services market. Anchored by strong leadership and an adaptive business model, the company has become a symbol of indigenous capacity and global relevance. As the energy transition accelerates, Hyprops’ commitment to sustainability, technology adoption, and local content positions it as both a beneficiary and a driver of Nigeria’s evolving energy future.
