As Nigeria continues to make steady progress in its train 7 project midwifed by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has unveiled the 10,000 tons per annum galvanizing plant.
Situated in Abam-ama, Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, the galvanizing plant was constructed by one of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, Daewoo Engineering Nigeria Limited.
The galvanizing plant is one of the capacity development interventions for the Train 7 project and its establishment is sequel to NCDMB requirement that the execution of major EPC projects in the country must include the development of a legacy investment that will close a critical capacity gap in the oil and gas industry.
Besides Ogbe, the unveiling of the plant was witnessed by top management staff of NCDMB and NLNG including its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Philip Mshelbila.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Mshelbila was represented at the occasion by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh,
The NCDMB helmsman lauded NLNG and Daewoo Engineering for responding positively to the Nigerian content legacy requirement just as he added that the commissioning of the hot deep galvanizing plant has increased Nigeria’s galvanizing capacity to over 180,000 tons per annum with other facilities established by Dorman-long Engineering, Sparkwest Steel Industries and African Industries Group.
According to him, the facility will serve the Nigerian oil and gas industry and linkage sectors, including telecommunications, power and transport sectors that require galvanised materials. The importance of galvanizing includes corrosion protection, extended service life of steel materials, cost-effectiveness and safety assurances.
He noted that the galvanizing plants and other strategic Nigerian content investments could enjoy patronage from sister African countries courtesy of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement protocols, especially if the firms carry out what he called “intensive marketing” and remain committed to quality standards and competitiveness.
Ogbe averred that the domiciliation of key industry capacities is contributing towards the attainment of the 70 percent Nigerian content target by 2027.
Continuing, he said the project “underscores the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration towards implementing pro-local production reforms that will bring about employment and economic prosperity.”
Mshelbila in his remarks reiterated NLNG unwavering commitment to achieving its Nigerian content objectives in its Train 7 Project on Bonny Island, Rivers State.
He stated that the protection of steel for durability was a significant application in the energy sector, bolstering the resilience of equipment against depletion and enhancing operational efficiency, reducing wastage from replacement costs, and prolonging the lifespan of relevant equipment.
His words: “The visit to the Daewoo Galvanising Plant is a further ‘show and tell’ of our compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and our sincere vision of being a globally competitive LNG company helping build a better Nigeria. As we commission this facility, we are not only celebrating the expansion of our industrial capabilities but also reaffirming our unwavering commitment to contributing to the local economy and creating sustainable job opportunities for the local business environment”.
He stated that the formal unveiling of the plant represents a significant progress in the Train 7 Project reflecting NLNG commitment to excellence.
Continuing, Mshelbila said: “We are proud to share the development of the Train 7 project, a groundbreaking initiative that sets new standards in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Train 7 has achieved several notable milestones including the successful completion of key construction phases and the integration of advanced technologies that enhance our operational capabilities. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to delivering substantial economic and social benefits to Nigeria.
“Our dedication to Nigerian Content is evident in every facet of our operations. From enhancing local capabilities and fostering technological innovation to creating sustainable opportunities for Nigerians, NLNG remains at the forefront of these efforts. We at NLNG are determined to go beyond compliance in line with our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria”.
The highpoint of the unveiling ceremony was a tour of the plant by industry executives alongside the executives of NLNG, NCDMB, Daewoo Construction as well as other key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
