OCTG Technical Roadshow to China

Bell Oil & Gas continued its strategic drive to expand Nigeria’s local OCTG and fabrication capabilities with a two-week technical roadshow across China, held from November 24 to December 5, 2025. Led by Mr Chinwe Ama-Boms, BOG OCTG Plant Manager, the mission covered six major industrial hubs: Qidong, Yantai, Yishui, Shanghai, Hengyang and Xiangtan—bringing BOG face-to-face with world-class OEMs, steel manufacturers, and technology partners that shape the global OCTG and welded pipe landscape.

The objective of this technical roadshow was to deepen collaboration with our technical partners, validate equipment capabilities, assess upgrade requirements for our OCTG threading facility, and strengthen the technological foundation needed to position BOG as Nigeria’s foremost OCTG one-stop shop.

Visit to Jiangsu Qi Bao Steel Tube, Qidong & Yantai

Mr Chinwe Ama-Boms(right) meeting with Mr. Luo, Chairman Jiangsu Qi Bao Steel Tube Limited

The visit was an opportunity to study their end-to-end OCTG flow in active production: upsetting, heat treatment, controlled cooling, straightening, NDT evaluation, hydrostatic pressure testing, drifting, CNC threading and coupling machining. Observing these processes provided insight into efficiency measuressuch as their water-cooled hydrostatic system and automated drifting method, that can influence future optimisation of our own operations.

At the Qi Bao Yantai facility, the focus shifted to CNC threading for premium connections. Mr Ama-Boms witnessed the machining of proprietary premium box and pin connections, gaining practical understanding of the type of tooling, turret configurations and control systems required for premium threading.

Yantai’s engineering team also discussed PLC and HMI improvements, drift machine completion, and future equipment sourcing to strengthen our machine shop’s technical capacity.

Visit to Lincoln Electric, Shanghai

Mr Chinwe Ama-Boms (second from the right) with Lincoln Electric testing and automation team

The Shanghai stop was dedicated to inspection and factory test of our Column & Boom submerged arc welding (SAW) systems at Lincoln Electric.

Submerged Arc Welding is an automatic or semi-automatic welding process where the arc is created between a continuously fed wire electrode and the workpiece, but unlike many other welding processes, the arc is completely covered (“submerged”) under a blanket of granular flux. Because the arc is hidden under flux, the process produces very little visible smoke or spatter, a highly stable arc, and deep weld penetration.

With the acquisition of the Column & Boom SAW welding system, BOG will be able to:

These large OD welding units represent a significant step forward in BOG’s ambition to become a fully integrated OCTG and fabrication hub.

Lincoln Electric also reaffirmed its commitment to providing remote installation support, commissioning guidance and access to consumables to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Completed BOG Column and Boom for Submerged process

This visit shows BOG’s readiness to enter the large-diameter conductor pipe welding space with world-class automation.

Visit to Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Co.Ltd (HYST)

The technical roadshow also continued at Hengyang Valin Steel Tube Co. Ltd. (HYST) in Hengyang. With over fifty years of metallurgical heritage, HYST is the world’s fifth-largest seamless pipe manufacturer and a major supplier to global IOCs, including Shell and Chevron.

During the tour, Mr Chinwe Ama-Boms observed HYST’s extensive rolling mill infrastructure, which includes PQF, MPM, Assel and Pilger mills; advanced heat treatment lines; automated inspection systems; and a broad product portfolio ranging from OCTG casing and tubing to drill pipes, line pipes and high-strength alloy tubes. Of particular relevance were their approved premium connections—HSM-2 and HSTS—widely deployed in Nigerian oilfields.

Mr Chinwe Ama-Boms (middle) with Henyang Valin Steel Tube team

The visit resulted in significant outcomes: HYST expressed willingness to partner with BOG to penetrate deeper into the Nigerian market, support stocking initiatives through financiers, and embark on a structured pathway toward qualifying BOG for threading their premium connections.

Visit to Hunan Shengli Xianggang Steel Pipe Co. Ltd. (SLXG)

The final technical visits took place in Xiangtan at Hunan Shengli Xianggang Steel Pipe Co. Ltd. (SLXG), a technologically advanced producer of Submerged Arc Welding Longitudinal (SAWL) and Submerged Arc Helical Welded (SAWH) welded line pipes. The facility boasts substantial production capacity supported by integrated anti-corrosion coating and internal lining plants. SLXG’s line pipe capability—extending from 12 to 56 inches in helical welds and 20 to 55 inches in longitudinal welds—combined with steel grades up to X120—positions them as a competitive supplier for both onshore and offshore pipeline projects. Their laboratories house cutting-edge testing equipment, including digital flat-panel X-ray systems, ultrasonic testing platforms, DWTT machines and metallography suites.

For BOG, the visit provided a deeper appreciation of SLXG’s scale and technical maturity, demonstrating their readiness to support future Nigerian pipeline projects that require high-grade welded line pipes with robust coating systems.

Rolled pipe for Longitudinally Sub-merged Arc welded pipe

The two-week technical roadshow in China delivered significant value to Bell Oil & Gas, providing clarity on equipment upgrades, validation of manufacturing processes, and reinforcement of long-standing technical partnerships. By engaging closely with OEMs and steel mills across China, BOG has strengthened its foundation for achieving premium connection licensing, expanded its welding automation capabilities, and positioned itself for greater competitiveness in the OCTG and pipeline sectors.

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Chinonso Uzoigwe

Finance Manager

Chinonso is a results-driven finance professional with over 11 years of expertise spanning auditing, financial reporting, budgeting, tax, regulatory compliance, and financial management within the oil & gas sector. He began his career as an Audit Trainee with BBC Professionals in Lagos before joining Grant Thornton Nigeria, where he worked on financial statements in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

His journey continued with TotalEnergies as a Cost Controller, preparing and presenting operational
budgets to management and regulatory bodies. He further advanced as an Assistant Manager in the Energy & Natural Resources Audit Unit of KPMG Nigeria, gaining experience across Downstream, Midstream, Power, and Upstream oil & gas sectors.

With a track record of delivering excellence, Chinonso brings not only technical expertise but also a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and innovation in finance, while leveraging his wealth of experience to strengthen financial operations, drive efficiency, and support strategic decision-making.

Chinonso holds a B.Sc. in Accountancy from Anambra State University and an MBA in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also an Associate Member of ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria).

Abdul-Hakeem Dan’Azimi Bello

Head of Human Resources

Abdul-Hakeem Dan’Azimi Bello is a seasoned Human Resources and administrative leader with over 15 years of professional experience in driving organizational success through strategic human resources management and administrative functions. He has played a pivotal role in defining and implementing comprehensive HR strategies aligned with corporate goals. His expertise extends to talent acquisition, workforce management, training program development, and employee relations, supporting over 100 employees and facilitating major workforce expansions.

Bello has demonstrated a proven ability to manage complex projects, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a strong organizational culture. His technical skills include proficiency in tools like Microsoft Suite, Slack, and HR Information Systems (HRIS), making him adept in optimizing HR functions through data-driven decision-making and process improvement.

In addition to his operational excellence, AD Bello has earned various certifications in HR management and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). He holds a BSc in Accounting from Bayero University, Kano and an MSc in Treasury Management. He has actively contributed to international HR initiatives and business strategy development.

Ebi Dike

Operations Manager

Ebi Dike is a dynamic and results-oriented operations and project manager. With a successful track record and specialization in pipeline and piping operations and projects spanning over 15 years, Ebi has consistently delivered exceptional results in complex and challenging project environments.
Ebi’s strong leadership abilities have allowed him to effectively coordinate cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring seamless communication throughout project lifecycles. Since his involvement in the Bonga FPSO project in 2004, Ebi has lead project teams on other FPSOs like Erha, Agbami, Akpo, Usan, and Egina. He has also led project teams on other offshore and land production facilities like Total’s Ikike Project, Chevron’s DSO – Meren GGCP & SONAM Projects, Interplant Corridor Escravos Pipeline Project, and Abiteye Sewage Treatment Plant Project.
Ebi’s technical expertise is complemented by his in-depth knowledge of industry regulations, safety protocols, and quality control standards. He consistently applies best practices and innovative solutions to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and minimize risks. His ability to analyze complex situations and make data-driven decisions has proven invaluable in resolving challenges and delivering successful outcomes. As Operations Manager, Ebi is responsible for managing cross-functional field operations and delivering various complex projects across an array of clients.
Ebi has a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Geology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Information Technology, both from Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He holds certifications in relevant areas such as piping design, equipment maintenance, safety, quality, and project management methodologies. He has also completed several training programmes in engineering design, construction, management, and improvement in operational processes. Ebi also actively pursues continuous learning opportunities and stays updated with the latest industry advancements.
Beyond oil and gas services, Ebi has interests in Systems and Design thinking, Data analytics, Agile concepts and principles, Lean Six Sigma principles, and emerging technologies. He is also an avid reader of different genres. Ebi is keen on making contributions to positively impact his immediate environment and the society at large.

Aigbe Abohi

Finance Manager

Aigbe Abohi is a seasoned professional with almost 10 years cognate industry experience in areas of accounting, financial management, financial planning and reporting, budgeting, and operational finance.

Prior to joining Bell Oil and Gas, he was a General Ledger Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc where he was responsible for general accounting operations, financial reporting, suggesting, and implementing sound internal control procedures, designing standard operating procedure manuals, preparing annual audited financial statements, as well as leading and coordinating external audit exercises for various companies in the agro allied value chain. He had also functioned as a finance and accounts team lead in other organizations where he oversaw finance and management reporting, accounts payables and receivables, inventory, payroll as well as fixed assets management.

In his current role at Bell Oil and Gas, he is responsible for supervising the finance team, coordinating a variety of finance and accounts activities including general accounting, accounts payables, payroll and treasury management, financial reporting and budgeting amongst others.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Benin, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

His hobbies include studying, sports, music, movies and networking.

Chinwe Ama-Boms

Plant Manager, OCTG Threading and Machining Plant

Chinwe is a result-driven and seasoned engineer with a proven history of plant setup and production optimization through improved efficiency, cost and waste reduction, enhanced product quality and resource management. He believes in getting it right the first time.
Chinwe is skilled in team leadership, training and development, strategic planning and innovative problem-solving.
This has been proven in 17+ years of professional experience in OCTG precision manufacturing where he has managed daily plant operations, ensuring safety with zero LTI, high product quality with zero scrap and enhanced productivity, leading cross-functional teams to achieve production targets and optimize processes, implementing cost-saving initiatives, resulting in significant expense reduction.
Chinwe holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt and has acquired several tailored certifications in quality and production optimization.
Beyond oil and gas, he has an interest in family, reading different genres and good governance.

DR. (Engr). Chima Ibeneche

Chairman, Board of Directors

Dr. (Engr.) Chima has over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He spent his first three years with Schlumberger where he started out in 1978. He joined The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1986. Chima was sent overseas on assignment as Senior Petrophysicist, Land Operations, in  Nederlandse Aardolle Maatschaappij, a Shell/ Esso company in Assen, northern Netherlands. He returned to Nigeria in 1989 to become the Divisional Chief Petrophysicist. He was later appointed Chief Petroleum Engineer in the Western Division of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).

Dr. Chima drilled the first horizontal well in Shell’s operations in Nigeria. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the Petroleum Economist for Europe and Africa at Shell International Headquarters in The Hague, Holland; Acting Petroleum Engineering Manager, Western Division; Human Resources Manager; and Deputy Development Director and Corporate Well Engineering Manager and Service Director at SPDC. In 2004, he became the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), pioneering offshore and deep-water exploration and production operations in Nigeria and bringing on stream the Bonga field. Chima joined NLNG in 2008 as the first Nigerian Managing Director from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), a position he held between 2008 and 2012. During the same period, he was the Executive VP of Bonny Gas Transport Limited.

As the Chairman Board of Directors in Bell Oil & Gas, he is responsible for leading the Board on strategic matters and guiding the company on its strategic direction. Dr. Chima holds a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Doctorate Degree Honoris causa in Production Management from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. He is also the former president of the Nigerian Gas Association and a fellow of the Energy Institute of London. He also serves on the board of several notable companies.

EJIRO ERIVONA

Position: Assistant General Manager

Ejiro Erivona has over 20 years of international experience in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. His expertise spans Business Operations Management , Business Development, Contracts and process management in the oil service industry as well as the Exploration and production segment of the Oil and Gas Business. 

He has managed key business divisions for various multinationals like Falcon, General Electric and Baker Hughes, working in various countries in Africa and North America, leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams to achieve stellar business outcomes. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Manager, Operations at Nigeria’s Major E&P Independent- Conoil Producing Nigeria. 

Experienced in business startups, as well as new business generation, Ejiro has a track record of closing major deals in the IOCs, NOCs and marginal field operators in the sub-continent. 

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the university of wales and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Benin. He is also an alumnus of the Administrative College of India ( ASCI) 

Ejiro has a “Black Belt” in people and change management and has pursued the same with great flair. 

KAYODE THOMAS

Chief Executive Officer

With a solid background in corporate strategy, business development, project management, business analysis and supply chain management, gained from key positions with various blue chip organisations, Kayode has many years international and domestic experience in driving businesses to achieve their strategic and corporate goals.

Prior to Bell Oil & Gas Ltd, he managed and delivered various strategic projects for multi-national corporations in Europe including business process re-engineering, organisation design, change management, ERP solutions, mergers & acquisitions, and post-merger business integration. He held strategic positions in different organisations including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (London office), British Telecommunications (UK), Johnson & Johnson (UK), Cable & Wireless (UK) and GlaxoSmithKline (UK) where he managed and developed supply chain processes, new product introduction models, sales and operations planning policies, product rationing strategies, customer services and performance management methodologies across Europe. His various achievements led to him being named the Glaxo Wellcome IIP Award winner in 1998.

A finalist at the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and a founding director of Bell Oil & Gas, Kayode is a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful track record of leadership in cross-functional teams. At Bell Oil & Gas Ltd where he has held the position of CEO since inception, Kayode is responsible for corporate strategy, business planning, major projects development, change management, corporate governance, strategic alliances, brand management and corporate social responsibility. He is also responsible for the overall direction, growth and expansion of the company.

A strong advocate of continuous learning, Kayode is an ardent reader of a range of books covering leadership, motivation, relationship building, crime, autobiographies, and Christian literature. He is also a presenter and speaker at international conferences with specific interests in Strategic Alliances, Nigerian Content, and Entrepreneurship.

Kayode is an avid animal lover, with interests in exotic breeds of dogs, parrots, horses and wildlife. He is also a staunch Formula 1 follower, a lover of cricket, rugby, snooker, polo and sailing.

A Harvard Business School and Warwick Business School alumnus, Kayode is a highly motivated and articulate professional who brings with him, deep business insights, strategic thinking, and extensive management and business development experience and expertise spanning many key business areas.

A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Kayode serves on the board of a number of companies, including several start-ups, provides advisory services to many organisations, within and outside the oil industry and supports young aspiring entrepreneurs in translating ideas into business reality. Kayode is also the founder and chairman of Rifugio Communications, a leading mobile phone retail and enterprise solutions provider in Nigeria. He holds a B.SC (Hons) Degree in Physics, an MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, an MBA and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration with research interest in Strategic Alliances and Implications for Local Capacity Development in the Nigerian Oil & Gas industry.

Kayode is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Nigerian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC-Nigeria).

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