By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has commended the significant Nigerian Content strides achieved in the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Train 7 Project.
NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, was quoted to have made the commendation on Friday, during a visit to the NLNG Train 6 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.
He further emphasised the need for increased collaboration and advocacy for Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Ogbe was received by the Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu; General Manager, Production, Nnamdi Anowi; Train 7 Project Director, Ali Uwais; NSML Managing Director/CEO, Abdulkadir Ahmed; and other senior management officials of the NLNG.
Speaking, the NCDMB scribe 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.
He commended the recent Presidential Directives on Local Content implementation, which mandated that contracts in the oil and gas sector be awarded exclusively to local companies with proven in-country capabilities, as being instrumental to these achievements.
Reflecting on the progress made, he said: “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.”
Also, Mr. Ogbe lauded NLNG’s management for achieving 52 million man-hours on the Train 7 project with zero lost time injury (LTI), adding, “we will support you to achieve everything you desire to accomplish for the overall development of Nigeria.”
He also commended his immediate predecessor, Simbi Wabote, for his immense contributions to the approval, take-off and success of the Train 7 project.
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.
Maritime training centre
Regarding the MCOE, Mr. Ogbe expressed delight that it is the first training centre in Africa to receive accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA).
The accreditation enables the Centre 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 petroleum sector, with the support of NCDMB.
Also commenting, NLNG’s MD/CEO, Philip Mshelbila, represented by his deputy, Mr. Osobu, was said to have lauded the 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.
He was quoted as emphasising 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 further reiterated that Nigerian Content was not just a regulatory requirement for NLNG but a core business strategy. “We are committed to going beyond compliance, embracing Nigerian Content as a fundamental part of our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria,” he added.
He also highlighted the economic impact of the Train 7 Project, as this will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity from 22 metric tonnes (MT) to 30MT per annum.
This 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.
Mr. Ogbe’s visit follows a recent tour of BEAMCO Limited, where pumps and valves are locally assembled for the Train 7 Project, and the inauguration of the Daewoo Galvanising Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State.
