“Innovation thrives where resilience meets opportunity. My journey—from the wetlands of Delta State to breaking global engineering records—proves that Africa’s greatest resource is not beneath the soil, but in the minds of its people.” —Ediri Johnson Erigbese
Ediri Johnson Erigbese is a visionary leader and seasoned Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) specialist with over 15 years of transformative contributions to the oil and gas industry. Currently serving as the Managing Director of Jonestech Technical Services Limited, he orchestrates HDD-focused engineering solutions, driving procurement, pipeline installations, and drilling operations across downstream, midstream, and upstream sectors. His career trajectory reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence, marked by technical mastery, strategic leadership, and a passion for innovation.
A cornerstone of Ediri’s expertise lies in executing complex, large-scale projects. Notably, he spearheaded the construction of the 67km x 20inch Pan Ocean Amukpe Escravos Pipeline with associated end facilities that includes a 160bpd LACT unit and Mainline Pumps, achieved a historic milestone with the 30inch x 1km Shore Approach installation for Chevron’s Escravos Export System Project—a feat that set African and global benchmarks using Continuous HDD (CHDD) technology. His portfolio also includes managing multi-million-dollar budgets (up to $396M), fabricating 560-ton Single Point Mooring Systems, and mentoring emerging engineers, amplifying team productivity by over 40% in critical projects.
Developing a Skilled Workforce & Growing the Local Economy
Beyond his technical expertise, Ediri has played a pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region. Through Jonestech Technical Services Limited, he has designed and implemented specialized training programs for pipeline engineers, welders, and maintenance technicians, equipping them with industry-relevant skills in HDD technology, pipeline installation, and maintenance. His workforce development initiatives have directly contributed to closing the skills gap in Nigeria’s energy sector, ensuring a continuous availability of highly trained professionals who can tackle the region’s infrastructure challenges.
By employing and training hundreds of local engineers and technicians, Ediri has also fueled the growth of the local economy. His company not only provides engineering solutions but also supports the oil and gas supply chain through procurement services, material sourcing, and logistics coordination. These contributions have strengthened Nigeria’s industrial base, provided economic opportunities to local communities, and enhanced the country’s capacity to execute large-scale energy projects without excessive reliance on foreign expertise.
READ ALSO: BAT Most Influential Women In Tech In Nigeria -Awards
Environmental Sustainability: Fixing Pipeline Leakages & Preventing Oil Spills
One of the most pressing challenges in the Niger Delta region is the widespread pipeline leakage and oil spillage, which have devastated ecosystems, contaminated water sources, and threatened local livelihoods. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure, Ediri has been instrumental in leading HDD-based pipeline rehabilitation efforts to seal leaks, prevent spills, and modernize outdated pipeline systems.
Through his expertise in pipeline integrity management, Ediri has successfully engineered and supervised repairs on critical oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring safe and environmentally responsible energy transmission. His proactive leak prevention strategies have contributed significantly to reducing oil-related pollution, safeguarding marine and agricultural ecosystems, and minimizing the long-term ecological damage caused by aging pipelines. His work has directly improved the environmental sustainability of Nigeria’s oil & Gas operations, aligning with global best practices in energy management and conservation.
A Vision for the Future
Ediri’s leadership extends beyond operations. Recognized with the BAT Award of Excellence 2023 (Engineering Tech Category), his innovative approaches have redefined industry standards. As a judge for the 2022 Dratech Hackathon—an international platform celebrating African excellence—he champions technological advancement and fosters cross-industry collaboration. His commitment to quality is underscored by certifications in BOSIET, ISO 9001:2008, and Onshore/Offshore Pipeline Systems, alongside a PGD in Industrial and Production Engineering (in view) from the Federal University of Petroleum Technology.
A mentor and industry pioneer, Ediri combines technical acumen with a forward-thinking mindset. Proficient in Paratrack system, AutoCAD, and advanced project management tools, he bridges engineering precision with operational efficiency. His future aspirations center on advancing HDD methodologies, scaling sustainable infrastructure solutions, and cultivating the next generation of engineering talent.
Ediri’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and impact—a narrative that continues to shape the future of energy infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.
