Sahara Upstream Puts Two Oilfield Firms Under One Services Strategy

Sahara Upstream has placed Arahas Global Oilfield Services and SGIR Rigs and Energy under Gopi Nath as part of a plan to turn both companies into integrated oilfield service platforms for Africa. Nath, appointed Director, Oilfield Services, will oversee the two businesses as Sahara invests in their systems, skills and service capacity.

The decision gives Nath responsibility for aligning the work of the two companies around operational performance, innovation, customer service and sustainable business. It also gives Sahara a single senior executive to supervise the development of its oilfield service businesses.

Two companies, one service structure

Arahas provides engineering-led oilfield services focused on operational reliability, safety, innovation and sustainability.

SGIR provides drilling, engineering, project execution and field support services that help upstream operators improve production performance.

Under Nath, Sahara said the two businesses will continue their transformation into integrated service platforms. The aim is to improve cooperation between the companies and create service businesses that can operate at a larger scale across Africa.

Nath said the oilfield services business has strong foundations and skilled workers as it enters its next stage.

“This is an exciting period for Sahara’s oilfield services business. We have strong foundations, exceptional talent, and a clear strategic direction. My focus will be on strengthening collaboration across our service companies, driving execution excellence, enhancing customer value, and building scalable platforms that contribute meaningfully to Africa’s energy aspirations.”

His assignment covers both businesses at a time Sahara is investing in the people, capabilities and systems needed for its energy strategy.

The company said its organisational restructuring created the setting for the new structure within Sahara Upstream. The changes are tied to its Beyond XXX philosophy, which is focused on building businesses and partnerships for Africa's changing energy industry.

Ade Odunsi, Executive Director, Sahara Upstream, said the company was deliberately building businesses equipped for future demands.

“As we advance our Beyond XXX agenda, we are intentionally building businesses that are equipped for the future,” Odunsi said.

“That means investing in leadership, strengthening capabilities, embracing innovation, and creating integrated service platforms that deliver smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions across Africa’s energy value chain.”

Odunsi said Nath's appointment would help develop the two companies and prepare them for long-term business needs.

Building indigenous oilfield capacity

The structure gives Sahara's oilfield services businesses a common direction across several areas of upstream work.

Arahas brings engineering services, safety and operational support, while SGIR contributes drilling, project execution and field services. Their combined capabilities cover several activities needed in oil and gas production.

Sahara said the businesses are an important part of its plan to build indigenous service capacity and support responsible energy development across Africa.

Nath said his work would include improving cooperation between the service companies, raising execution standards and improving value for customers.

He also said the companies would work towards service platforms that can operate at scale and contribute to Africa's energy needs.

The company's Beyond XXX philosophy places emphasis on capabilities, partnerships and business platforms. Sahara said these are intended to support responsible business development, innovation and sustainable value creation across Africa's energy industry.