By John Ikani
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commended the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) for its commitment to the growth of local content in the country.
NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote gave the commendation on Wednesday when he led top management staff of the Board and other industry stakeholders to
the Unveiling & Loadout Ceremony of the SPDC, Assa North Gas High Pressure Fuel Gas Skid Project by Nivafer Engineering & Const. Ltd, Lagos.
The High Pressure Fuel Gas Skid is one of the critical technological facility needed for the Assa North-Ohaji South (ANOH) Gas Development Project to enable it push the targeted 250 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day (scuf/pd) to the domestic market.
Located in Imo state Nigeria, the ANOH project is one of the seven critical gas development projects and part of the National Gas Expansion Plan (NGEP) initiated and driven by the federal government to boost in-country natural gas supply. The project is currently in the construction stage and is expected to start commercial production in 2022.
The High Pressure Fuel Gas Skid fabricated to supply treated fuel gas to power generation turbines of the ANOH project was unveiled, loaded and handed over to the SPDC at Nivafer Construction and fabrication site in Lagos.
Engr. Wabote who recognized SPDC’s position as a key local content partner since the enactment of the NOGICD Act in 2010, lauded the company for driving the delivery of ANOH project despite the challenges.
“It’s not easy. Today, the end justifies the means. It took a lot of horse-trading for us to arrive at what has to be done in Nigeria and what cannot be done here,” said the NCDMB Boss while delivering his welcome address at the event.
“It is a bit of a stretch for Shell as a company committed to the growth of Nigerian Content, they decided to accept the challenge.
“I thank SPDC & their joint venture partners for their courage & continuous determination to see to the completion of ANOH Project. It is one of the projects that has been in the pipeline for a while and I am happy to see that we are gaining traction towards its completion.
“They put in all their expertise in terms of supervision, in terms of agency to ensure that the project is actualized.
“It has been an excellent collaboration and partnership with the JV partners and the NCDMB.”
Speaking on the importance of the ANOH project, Engr. Wabote explained that it would aid the success of the Decade of Gas Program launched by President Muhammadu Buhari to bring gas into prominence in powering our economy.”
He added that the ANOH project would also build on the successes recorded by the Board in ensuring that Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry Hits 70% in 2070.
“As we have highlighted on several occasions, NCDMB is always pleased to celebrate achievements which have added value in-country and created job opportunities for Nigerians no matter the size or scale of such projects.
“The goal is to achieve 70% Nigerian Content in oil & gas activities by the year 2027 which is just five (5) years away. At the current level of 42% Nigerian Content, we need all hands on deck to ensure that the gains achieved so far are not reversed while we aim at the 70% goal.”
The local content chieftain further commended the staff of Nivafer Engineering & Const. Ltd for engineering the HP Fuel Gas Skid.
“Let me take this opportunity to commend NIVAFER on delivering this scope on schedule. You have proven once again that you can deliver when given the opportunity, which gives us the additional boost to ensure that in-country capacities are utilised.
“As an indigenous company with 45 years cognate experience in Engineering, Procurement, Fabrication, Construction & Installation services, you have kept the flag flying as one of the topmost fab yards in Nigeria,” he said.
Wabote, stated that the milestone recorded by the successful completion and delivery of the facility by the Nigerian firm, has deeply rooted the belief in the can-do spirit of Nigerian companies for local development.
See video highlights from the ceremony below.
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