By Chioma Iruke
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and ZED Energy have signed shareholders agreement for the construction of a 50 million litre Petroleum Products Terminal in Brass LGA, Bayelsa State.
The N10.5 billion project is expected to deliver an automated 50 million litre depot with two-way product jetty, automated loading bay, and six automated tanks for storage of 30 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)and 20 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Delivering his remarks at the event held on Friday, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, said the brass product terminal Project aimed at generating 6,000 Jobs will be achievable through strong interagency collaboration and public-private sector partnership.
He also assured of NCDMB’s commitment to supporting similar partnerships with a view to facilitating development of the nation.
“The NCDMB will continue to drive such partnerships across the industry to bring development in Nigeria,” he noted.
Speaking earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his giant strides in the Niger Delta which is making a huge impact on the people of the area.
Sylva stated that the establishment of the Terminal further demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to improving the livelihood of the Niger Delta people particularly, the riverine communities in Bayelsa State where people purchase products at exorbitant prices due to logistics challenges associated with transporting products to that area.
“I make bold to say today without any fear of contradiction that no President has impacted the people of the Niger Delta like President Muhammadu Buhari. Aside from what we are witnessing today, remember there is also the Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company, the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and the Oil & Gas Park in Ogbia, all under Mr. President,” the Minister stated.
Speaking shortly after signing the agreement, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the Corporation was proud to be part of the project which aside ensuring products availability in all nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta, will also guarantee the nation’s energy security and generate employment.
“This Terminal will create 1,000 direct jobs during the construction phase, and over 5,000 indirect jobs during its operation. Considering the potential for employment when completed, this will definitely reduce youth restiveness in the Niger Delta area and will also address the problem of illegal refining in the area,” Kyari stated.
On his part, the Coordinator of the Project and Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the project would enhance the economics of marine petroleum products distribution.
