Vendors Hail Oando, SILGA 1 Host Communities Development Trust for Transparent Technical Bid Opening Process

Vendors have commended Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited and the SILGA 1 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) for conducting a transparent and accountable Technical Bid Opening Ceremony held on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The event, which forms part of Oando’s ongoing implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), brought together contractors, vendor representatives, members of the Trust Board, and the Management Committee. The atmosphere was marked by openness, integrity, and professionalism, reflecting a bold departure from past practices in community contracting within the oil and gas sector.

Held at a designated venue in the host communities, the session featured the inspection and public opening of sealed bid boxes submitted by vendors. In a notable innovation, the Trust introduced a real-time evaluation system. Bids were assessed immediately using a pre-disclosed checklist and scoring template that had been previously shared with all participants. This allowed vendors to witness firsthand how their submissions were evaluated, instilling confidence in the process and affirming the Trust’s commitment to fairness and merit.

Engr. Dauseighe Matthew Bowei, MNSE, Project Manager of SILGA 1 HCDT, anchored the session and emphasized that the Trust is committed to due process, community empowerment, and sustainable development. He explained that the process aligns with the spirit of the PIA, which seeks to place host communities at the center of oil and gas development in Nigeria. His remarks underscored a growing culture of accountability and transparency now being championed by Oando in its dealings with host communities.

Vendors who participated in the bidding process expressed widespread satisfaction with the openness and professionalism of the exercise. Many praised the Trust for its bold step in breaking with opaque practices of the past. One contractor said, “This is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The openness and the fact that we can see how our bids are scored immediately gives us confidence in the process. We have no doubt that the Trust is committed to awarding these contracts fairly.”

Participants also commended Oando for its swift and seamless assumption of the assets and liabilities of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), following the company’s recent divestment from the region. According to them, the transition was managed responsibly, with Oando showing early commitment to continuity, community development, and local participation. This has further strengthened confidence in the company’s leadership and its plans for inclusive growth in host communities.

With the Technical Bid phase now concluded, attention is now focused on the upcoming Commercial Bid Opening phase, during which financial proposals from technically qualified vendors will be assessed. The final contract awards will be made based on both technical merit and competitive pricing. Only vendors who meet all requirements will be considered, reinforcing the Trust’s dedication to quality delivery and value-for-money execution.

Engr. Bowei emphasized that the Trust is not just looking to award contracts, but to build partnerships with indigenous contractors who have the capacity and credibility to deliver impact-driven projects. He stated that the goal is to ensure that host communities experience the tangible benefits of the PIA, and that local businesses are empowered to thrive under fair and competitive conditions.

Many stakeholders present at the event have begun to refer to the SILGA 1 Trust as a model for others to follow, citing the transparent process as an example of how development in oil-bearing communities can be managed with integrity and accountability. As Nigeria continues to operationalize the PIA across its oil and gas landscape, the success of this process in SILGA 1 may well serve as a blueprint for similar efforts nationwide.

For the host communities involved, the message is loud and clear: with the right leadership, transparent systems, and community-inclusive practices, a new chapter of responsible development is indeed possible—and it is already underway.