*Seeks Greater Collaboration
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has hailed what it called the “significant Nigerian Content strides” attained in the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) Train 7 project.
Describing it as welcome development, the local content watchdog stressed the need for increased collaboration and advocacy for Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry.
The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe stated this recently when he visited the NLNG six-train plant, Train 7 project construction site, and the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) training centre, Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE) in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State;,
Ogbe’s visit comes on the heels of a recent tour of BEAMCO Limited where pumps and valves are locally assembled for the Train 7 project and the commissioning of the Daewoo Galvanising Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State.
He was received by NLNG Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Osobu; General Manager of Production, Engr. Nnamdi Anowi; Train 7 Project Director, Engr. Ali Uwais; NSML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed; and other senior management officials of the company.
The NCDMB helmsman highlighted how the Train 7 Project has significantly boosted local capacity through the production of ancillary components and accessories within Nigeria, contributing directly to the project’s successful execution.
Ogbe hailed the recent presidential directives on local content implementation which mandate that contracts in the oil and gas sector be awarded exclusively to local companies with proven in-country capabilities as instrumental to these achievements.
His words: “The accomplishments we are witnessing today at the NLNG Train 7 Project are a testament to the NLNG’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian content. This project stands as a beacon of what we can achieve when we prioritise our local industries and talents.”
He gave the NLNG’s management a pat on the back for achieving 52 million man-hours on the Train 7 project with zero lost time injury (LTI).
He reiterated NCDMB commitment to support the local firms to achieve everything they desire to accomplish for the overall development of Nigeria.
Ogbe also commended his predecessor, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote for his immense contributions to the approval, take-off and success of the Train 7 project.
On the Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE), Ogbe expressed delight that it is the first training centre in Africa to receive accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) to deliver and issue certificates for the STCW 2010 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations courses.
The MCOE, a maritime training and research facility, aims to enhance maritime expertise in Nigeria and the West African region. It currently hosts a specialised training programme for marine services providers in the upstream oil and gas sector with the support of NCDMB.
NLNG Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Philip Mshelbila in his remarks lauded NCDMB’s unwavering support for the Train 7 project, describing the partnership as a shining example of the public-private collaboration that can drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Mshelbila who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Mr. Olakunle Osobu emphasised that NLNG’s Nigerian content deliverables showcase the power of strategic collaboration and capacity building, aligning with the NCDMB’s broader objectives and contributing to national development goals.
He stated that Nigerian content was not just a regulatory requirement for NLNG but a core business strategy.
His words: “We are committed to going beyond compliance, embracing Nigerian Content as a fundamental part of our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.”
Mshelbila also highlighted the economic impact of the Train 7 project, stating that the addition of Train 7 will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity from 22 metric tons (MT) to 30MT per annum which will not only boost the nation’s economy by creating jobs and driving sustainable development but also reinforce Nigeria’s position as a formidable player in the global energy market.
