Status of Technological Capacity Building in the Indigenous Oilfield Servicing Firms in Nigeria vis-a-vis Innovation Capability

This paper assessed the factors that promote technological capacity building in the indigenous oilfield servicing firms in Nigeria. This was with a view to providing information that will increase indigenous participation in the sector and value addition for the nation. The study used primary and secondary data sources. Structured questionnaire were administered in the firms. This was supplemented with shop-floor observations and interviews. The questionnaires elicited information on the factors influencing firms’ capability for innovation in the sector. A total of 60 questionnaires were administered to the heads of technical, finance and administration departments in the firms with 67% response rate. Secondary data were sourced from the internet and other publications. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The important factors that accounted for the firms’ technological capability (TC) included the qualifications and experience of the heads of technical departments and extensive staff training. In conclusion, the most significant driver of TC building in the firms was the educational level of the head(s) of technical department(s)