LPG Interview of the Month(1) – With an experienced LPG Welder, Mr. Taofeek Owolabi

  • 4 Comment(s)
  • Author: Muyiwa Ige(LPG Stakeholder and Consultant)

In its inaugural LPG Interview of the month, Niglpgas.com engages one of the most competent and reliable LPG Welders in Nigeria, Mr. Taofeek Owolabi.

Mr. Owolabi is credited with outstanding gas piping and installation jobs in several LPG Bottling Plants across the country.

1.            Kindly introduce yourself.

My name is Owolabi Taofeeq Bolaji. I’m based in Lagos, Nigeria.

2.            Introduce your business/service.

I’m into General Welding, Metal Fabrication and Engineering Works.

3.            Give the precise address of your business location/Head Office.

Plot 126, Eko Akete new road, Durbar road, Amuwo Odofin Estate. Mile-2, Lagos State

4.            How long have you been engaged in Welding, Metal Fabrication and Engineering works?

Since 2012, till date.

5.            What are the qualifications/certifications or trainings you received for the Welding Occupation?

Apprenticeship Certification.

6.            Who are your customers?

Individuals and Corporate customers

7.            Where are your customers drawn from – sector and location?

Individuals that need metal works such as gates, burglary works etc.

Individuals that want to construct Cooking Gas Refilling Plants or carry out LPG piping modification works

Individuals and Corporate Individuals that need LPG Reticulation Systems

Corporate Entities that want to construct LPG Refilling Plants or remodel pipe network

Industries that need to weld Steam Boiler systems and its pipe network.

Companies that need pipeline welding services for different processes/applications.

 

I work in all the states of the federation.

8.            How do you satisfy your customers?

By producing top quality welding jobs within the stipulated project delivery timeframe.

9.            Can you mention some of the top jobs you have done?

Pipe Welding and Installation Services of the following projects:

a.       80 Metric Tons LPG Bottling Plant at the former Forte Oil LPG Terminal Complex in Ijora, Lagos

b.      PM LPG Bottling Plant, Cele, Lagos

c.       Reach Barm LPG Bottling Plant, Opposite U.I, Ibadan, Oyo State

d.      MTN Facility, Enugu

e.       10 Metric Tons LPG Bottling Plant, Owode-Egba, Ogun State

10.        How honest are you when dealing with your customers? How do you show integrity in your line of work?

Absolutely honest. I make use of materials that are of good quality in the projects given to me by my clients.

11.        What is the most challenging project/job you have done?

Well. I can’t remember any really. I give my best in all the projects I do.

12.        What do you love about your job?

This is a job I so much cherish because it requires you to get the best out of your brain. You need to use your ingenuity to get some projects done successfully.

13.        What are the challenges you are facing on this job?

Mainly funding. I have limited financial resources, which has made me unable to purchase some required equipment to establish a standard welding workshop. With limited financial resources, it is always difficult to fashion out and fabricate innovative designs and works.

14.        What can the government do to make the business environment more conducive for your business?

This job really needs government intervention funds.

15.        What are the possible solutions to the challenges?

By integrating more SMEs into the funding programs, of either the State or Federal Government.

16.        How do you think Nigeria’s Cooking Gas Industry can move forward?

If the Government ends the importation of cooking gas and does all it can to make its price crash for the benefit of the less privileged LPG users.

17.        What advice do you have for the people who want go into Welding/Engineering/Metal Fabrication Work?

They need to be calm, attentive and sharp, during the learning process. Then, it is a job that requires a high level of dedication and trustworthiness.

18.        How long will it take to be trained for this job?

Between 2-3 Years, for someone who is sharp.

19.        Are you open to partnerships?

Yes

20.        If someone decides to invest N50 million in you, how will you spend it?

Since I've gotten the needed knowledge and trainings, I will invest the N50 million in the cooking gas business. I will construct a 15-20 Metric Ton Cooking Gas Plant in a strategic location, acquire the required licenses from Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as well as secure registration and insurance for the Cooking Gas business.

21.        How will an investor that invests N50 Million in you,  recoup their investment and make profit.

At least, over 198 million Nigerians eat cooked food daily and presently, over 50 million families cook with gas, which has made the demand for cooking gas and gas products to become very high. Since there is a high demand for the product, I will put a  good management system in place, so that the LPG Bottling Plant will be run efficiently to make it profitable, which will guarantee good return in investment for the investors.

22.        Any additional comments?

Nil

23.          Niglpgas.com prays your Welding, Metal Work and Engineering business, will continue to expand and be profitable. And also hope that you will secure the funding for your dream LPG Refilling Plant project in the nearest future.

Amen.

24.         For gracing this interview, Niglpgas.com is giving you a gift of - 6kg of Cooking Gas

I sincerely appreciate Niglpgas.com. Niglpgas.com will continue to make more progress.