On Saturday, March 24, 2024, the esteemed Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. (Dr.) Emeka Okwuosa, CON, led a distinguished delegation, which included the AKK Project Manager, AKK Security Manager, and the Operations & Technical Manager, to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Camp Charlie. The inspection procedures were kicked off with a cordial welcome from Charlie’s Deputy Project Manager and his team.

The tour began with a thorough Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) induction, highlighting the critical role of these principles in all operating tasks. The Deputy Project Manager of Charlie then gave a tour of the camp facilities, providing a full report on the camp’s preparation and the status of continuing development.

The GCEO personally inspected all renovated structures and newly constructed portacabin areas, meticulously scrutinising facilities such as executive quarters, senior housing, prototype buildings, a gym, an administrative building, a kitchen, a canteen, a clinic, OB3 portacabins, and the anticipated 24-bedroom accommodation area where block moulding operations were underway. The DPM underlined the need for electrifying the camp in order to activate its occupancy, as well as installing complementary facilities as soon as possible.

Continuing the inspection, attention was drawn to the equipment laydown section, where critical project materials such as Hot Induction Bending (HIBs) and 40″ class 17.3mm Line Pipes were inspected. Additionally, the planned storage location for Metering Skid, Water Bath Heater, Filter Separators, GOVs, and other critical components was extensively investigated. The Chairman requested reports on the Telecom Mast’s condition and a review of the property acquisition agreement to ensure that it was in line with organisational objectives.

Furthermore, the GCEO paid a visit to the Command and Control Centre, where he meticulously examined the continuing installation work and tested the performance of CCTV monitoring systems, which are critical for operational supervision and security enhancement. The camp, which is intended to serve as lodging, office, and workshop facilities for Sicilsaldo (a subcontractor to Oilserv on the AKK Project), underscores the critical relevance of this infrastructure in ensuring seamless project execution. The GCEO’s hands-on approach to monitoring the camp setup demonstrates a commitment to quality control and operational efficiency. The level of attention to detail highlights the importance of effective project management in meeting organizational objectives.

Speaking to the employees, the GCEO acknowledged the excellent work that had been done so far and underlined that in order to maximize operational effectiveness and save costs associated with outside lodging, the camp needed to be sufficiently furnished for residence. He emphasized how crucial it is to correctly indicate ownership when changing the property identification on Google Maps. In addition, he emphasised the necessity of ongoing maintenance to guarantee the longevity of the establishments and provide a favourable atmosphere for employees. He also emphasized how important it is to have security measures in place in order to protect people and property on the campgrounds.

To maximise the AKK Project, the GCEO convened a high-level meeting earlier in the day with all stakeholders. The meeting’s objectives were to improve equipment availability, operational advancement, and client satisfaction. He urged the team to expedite all weather-dependent activities on the pipeline right-of-way to capitalize on favorable dry season conditions.

The delegation was impressed by the meticulous organization and high level of preparedness exhibited by the Deputy Project Manager and his team. As they toured the camp, they were able to witness firsthand the efficient operations and adherence to safety protocols in place. Nonetheless, the GCEO emphasized strict adherence to project requirements, acknowledged the overdue completion of Camp construction, and scheduled a joint budget review with the PM and DPM for Camp Charlie’s completion by early next week.