CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

The maintenance management of Oil field management: A case study of Nigeria Agip Oil
Company (NAOC) is investigated theoretically using comparative analysis method of statistical
test of hypothesis with other serving firms within the period under review (2014-2018). Sample
data of equipment’s are taken and thoroughly analysed to unravel the hidden cause as to why
equipment breakdown during pre or post production hours.

Essentially, regular maintenance of oil field equipment’s is required to ensure optimum

production at peak time. Although, maintenance of equipment ensures smooth running of
equipment during operational hours without any breakdown, reduces incessant spoilage or
breakdown and increases optimum production at peak time, this is capital intensive. This also
ensures the longevity of the life span of the equipment per unit cost at regular rate.
Nonetheless, it is observed that delay in carrying out regular maintenance exacerbate the
proper working condition of some equipment which reduce optimum production by breaking
down during work hours. Additionally, irregular maintenance of equipment also cause wear and
tear of parts of machine which makes them malfunction on occasion. Most times the use of
unqualified or quack personnel in maintenance jobs also reduce the life span of the equipment
as most of the se personnel lack the requisite know how to service the equipment to avert
unexpected breakdown.

Furthermore, the study shows that, employing unqualified personnel for departments that
require professional expertise is also a problem plaguing the oil industry. Such personnel
doesn’t have the technical know-how to man the equipment, as such this leads to collapse of
the system at peak hours. The improved maintenance management strategy (IMMS) should be
specific to different machines as what works for one machine might not be applicable to
another most times. Sufficient staff should be engaged to man equipment with knowledge
about technical analysis so as strategies and implement policies that ensures longevity of
machines. Lastly, discordant tones at management level towards the implementation of
maintenance policies should be nip in the mud to avert an unwanted disaster arising from lack
of maintenance to equipment which is long overdue. Finally personnel saddled with the
responsibility of equipment maintenance should be dedicated so as to ensure optimum
production at peak time.