Vowgas Gets Safety Certification on Engineering, Marine Operations

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Impressed with the quality of service and safety precautions always deployed in its facilities, BSI, a UK-based safety regulation and certification agency, has issued MG Vowgas Engineering a three-year certificate that confirms the company’s adherence to global safety and quality standards.

MG Vowgas is a Nigerian-based EPCI (engineering, procurement, construction, installation) and maritime company operating in the oil and gas sector.

The certificate, which was issued March 10, 2016, will be due for renewal on March 9, 2019.

The EMEA Compliance and Risk Director of BSI, Mr. Frank Lee, who also endorsed the certificate, noted that MG Vowgas, by virtue of the certificate is now licensed to operate an Occupational and Health Management system since the facilities at the company (MG Vowgas) has complied with all the requirements of BSI.

BS OHSAS 18001 is an approval document on occupational health and safety management system, and is part of the OHSAS 18000 series of standards. It helps companies to put in place policies, procedures and controls needed for their organisations to achieve best possible working conditions and work-place health and safety, aligned to global standards.

The certification is seen in industry circles as a reward for the company’s total commitment to the provision of high quality services, provision of safe, reliable and world class facilities with impressive economic value to its clients and the nation.

Commenting on the significance of the certification, the Managing Director of MG Vowgas, Mr. Godwin Izomor expressed satisfaction with the “progress being made by MG Vowgas as we now have even international endorsement as a way of confirming not only our capacity but our determination to adhere to international best practices in engineering concerns.”

‘‘We have in place a Documented Quality Management System that enhances effective working processes, prompt and efficient services delivery within a secure operating working environment. With this certification, MG Vowgas Limited has joined the league of other reputable firms in the world and indeed a few in Nigeria who place premium on their people and practices. This is in line with our continuous adherence to global standards,” Izomor said.

Knowing the determination of MG Vowgas Limited, a recipient of the International Safety Awards, from the prestigious British Safety Council in 2015 to always set a mark as an indigenous firm of repute, this certification could not have been a surprise to all the stakeholders who have benefitted from the company’s operations

Izomor noted further that the company is poised to re-invigorate the local content policy of the federal government as it is set to launch its soon-to-come ultra modern fabrication yard which is bound to reduce work place hazards, boost employee morale and also make profit as there will be a remarkable increase in indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.

Izomor had earlier explained that his motivation to build a fab yard stems from the fact that international companies who offer such services in Nigeria have not domesticated any facility in Nigeria, rather, they take such contracts to their home countries and bring them back as finished products thereby not only promoting capital flight, but also denying Nigerians the associated job opportunities.

He added that “We in MG Vowgas are pained daily when we see that for almost every little construction, other international companies take such jobs to their countries to fabricate and eventually ship it back to Nigeria. Apart from the loss of time and huge revenue, that system really depreciates Nigeria as it creates job for others in other countries and leaves our people even more unemployed”, warning that “this must stop”.