Competitive Strengths
HSE Commitment and Performance
All UG(N)L operations are governed by a very comprehensive project specific HSE Plan. In each case this includes but is not limited to the HSE Management System, Environmental Management System (EMS) and security plan.
The commitment of Management and staff to the HSE management system is evidenced not only by the HSE standards obtained and HSE record achieved in our present operations but also by their participation in training, audits, and HSE meetings.
UG(N)L has an enviable HSE record within the seismic industry resulting directly from our comprehensive HSE management system which is being constantly developed, enhanced and updated. In addition to training all new employees in HSE matters relating directly to their work and workplace, UG(N)L also carries out awareness campaigns (e.g. Road safety and General Hygiene) in the host communities.
Community Affairs within Operational Areas
The success of previous UG(N)L seismic survey campaigns has been dependent on ‘good local community relations’. ‘We believe our record speaks for itself having successfully acquired over 11,000Km2 of 3D/4D data in Nigeria since 1990’.
UG(N)L has a record and reputation of being able to acquire data in areas that our competitors have had to abandon due to problems with host communities.
Creating strong and mutually beneficial ties with our host communities are crucial to acquiring good seismic data. To achieve this, we focus on community employment strategies, community assisted projects, youth incentive schemes along with various other schemes and incentives.
Security Planning
Of recent time, security in the Niger Delta has become a major issue. To ensure the security of crew personnel, equipment and facilities/operational bases, each operation has its own approved security plan, which is produced in conjunction with the client and fully assesses the concerns, challenges and risks associated with working in different prospect areas.
In addition to our internal civilian security department, each field crew is complemented by the services of external security agencies as necessary. Such agencies include the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Navy, and Bomb Disposal Police.
Project Planning
For each seismic project UG(N)L prepares a comprehensive project plan which enables all project stakeholders to have access to detailed operational information and also to address any concerns prior to implementation. Of great assistance is our unrivalled seismic archive and database stretching back through 60 years of Niger Delta operations.
Key areas covered by our project plans include:
- Prospect scouting and analysis
- Personnel listing and manpower requirements
- Crew infrastructure plan
- Prospect field design, geometry and fold modelling
- Acquisition strategy
- Community Affairs management plan
- HSE plan
- Environmental plan
- Security plan
The benefits of producing such detailed plans include: Provides concise and detailed information for our clients, partners and other stakeholders on how the project should be executed.
Provides an opportunity for our clients and partners to make inputs before the project is mobilised.
Expedites the mobilisation phase and reduces the risk of making costly
errors during implementation.
Advanced Logistics
The Advance Logistics Group (ALG) was developed in order to streamline mobilisations and demobilisations. The group is run by an experienced advanced logistics manager who reports directly to the Party Chief.
The ALG has responsibility for the following aspects:
- Selection and permitting of infrastructure sites.
- Base camp planning
- Infrastructure construction of base camps, staging areas, explosives magazines, muster points, fly camps, jetties, CA houses, workshops etc.
- Installation of water treatment plant
- Installation of all electrical distribution systems
- Movement of assets
Quality Management
In 2004 UG(N)L decided to embark on a major investment in expanding and upgrading its quality control system. Known internally as the ‘project management system’, each of our key departments implemented the improvement starting with the recording and engineering departments.
This quality management system gives us a significant competitive advantage as we have a library of very detailed operating procedures for all aspects of geophysical operations. The ‘project management system’ is complete with its own comprehensive suite of audit controls, to ensure that all ‘specifications’ are met to both client and Industry standards. The PMS also forms the basis of the company’s in-house training systems and is continually updated to include new technology.
Nigerian Content Strategy
United Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited has operated in Nigeria since 1960 with a long and respected history of Nigerianisation of its operations. Nigerian management, professional, technical and operational staffs hold the vast majority of positions in the company at all levels from Executive Directors to the management of field operations, details of which are shown below:
- 50% of the Directors of UG(N)L’s board are Nigerian
- 100% of the Party Chiefs are Nigerian
- All technical sections are headed by Nigerians
- Over 20 Nigerian Senior Staff in UG(N)L employment for over 15 years.
- Nigerians make up 95% of UG(N)L’s senior staff strength with a Nigerian to expatriate senior staff ratio of 18 to 1.
- Our field crews ensure that at least 60% of the workforce are employed directly from the host communities.
In all UG(N)L operations, surveying, drilling, recording, support and supply functions are subcontracted to indigenous contractors, the majority of whom are from the local communities in which operations are conducted. The only exceptions are senior and management staff and key junior staff who are employed directly by the company. These staff are employed to ensure continuity and maintenance of CASHES and quality standards.
UG(N)L also insists on the continual development and ‘on the job’ training of its permanent staff. This includes exposure to our comprehensive project management systems which monitor every aspect of geophysical operations to provide a ‘first class product’ with full recognition and respect to environmental, safety and local community participation and development.
Wherever possible all high quality goods, third party services, materials and consumables which are required for field operations are sourced and supplied in Nigeria by long standing and well established contractors.
Together with our external legal, corporate and financial advisors we continue to work towards creating more opportunities to increase and develop local content in the company’s operations and are mindful of the provisions of the Nigerian Content Act of 2012 and the additional opportunities this legislation provides.