The Federal Government has directed the management of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to stop the issuance of waivers for the importation of threaded pipes for use in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri gave the directive to NCDMB at the unveiling of Monarch Alloys Limited’s concrete weight coating plant at Ikorodu, Lagos State recently.
A statement issued by NCDMB and obtained by Maritime Bits said the plant has an annual external capacity coating capacity of two million square meters and an internal square meters coating capacity of one million square meters.
It added that the facility supports onshore and offshore pipeline requirements where increased line lengths and sea-bed depths demand advanced corrosion protection and deploys full range of coating systems.
The event attracted several dignitaries including the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, members of the National Assembly and the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Ms. Bimbo Salu-Hundeyin.
Lokpobiri who is the pioneer speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly emphasized in his speech at the occasion that investments like the Monarch Alloys Limited’s must be patronized, to encourage similar projects in the sector.
The Minister who was an erstwhile member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly underlined the importance of the local content policy to the nation’s economy, just as he assured that the Federal Government would continue to support manufacturers with a view to creating jobs in the country.
His words: “We would not allow dumping of pipes or such things anymore, We have a duty to support our industries to grow.”
On his part, Enoh lauded the promoters of Monarch Alloys Limited for decreasing Nigeria’s dependence on importation and expanding the value chain.
According to him, the investment aligned with the agenda of his ministry to promote value addition, job creation and partnership for the growth of the economy. The investment also serves as a model for continuous collaboration between the private sector and government and created opportunities.
Enoh also stated that Nigeria’s economy would only grow through industrialization, assuring that government would continue to provide enabling environment for investments to thrive.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe in his remarks commended the investment in the plant even as he noted that it underscored the mandate of the board.
According to the NCDMB helmsman, the facility aligns with the intent of the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC) — a key instrument under the NOGICD Act, which is issued to manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who commit to establishing production in Nigeria for components, equipment and systems used in the oil and gas industry.
Ogbe confirmed that such manufacturers and OEMs are given priority consideration during technical bid evaluations in the oil and gas industry.
“This means companies like Monarch Alloys Limited are not just contributing to industrialization but are also positioned to benefit directly from local contracting opportunities”, he added.
He admitted that sourcing critical elements such as pipeline coating from abroad drains both opportunity and value from our economy.
He noted the situation had started to change with the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act by the NCDMB.
According to Ogbe, the new facility brings high-performance 3LPE and concrete weight coating capability into the country, delivering not only technical excellence but economic benefit that stays within our borders. The economic implications are significant, including job creation, skills development, stimulation of local manufacturing and logistics. Monarch Alloys Limited is not only serving a sectoral need, it is actively contributing to national development.
He challenged industry stakeholders, especially operating companies to deepen their collaboration with local players such as Monarch Alloys Limited.
The Managing Director of Monarch Alloys Limited, Mr. Atul Chaudhary had earlier in his welcome address confirmed that the company completed the investment within 18 months.
He also announced the company’s plans to establish an LSAW pipe mill in the country to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry.
