By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote has disclosed that the Industrial Parks in Cross River and Bayelsa states would be commissioned in 2022.
Wabote made the disclosure on Tuesday while delivering his opening speech at the 10th Anniversary of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) themed “Driving Nigerian Content in the New Dawn of the Petroleum Industry Act.”
According to the Nigerian Content boss, one of the key requirements to commence operations at the industrial parks set for commissioning in the 4th quarter of 2022 is the provision of reliable power generation and distribution.
Wabote went on to disclose that plans have been perfected with Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) and INFINI Power Limited for provision of reliable power to the two industrial parks next year.
He therefore urged interested parties to take up plots as available plots at the industrial parks are limited.
Speaking earlier the Executive Secretary explained that the PNC held at the Nigerian Content Towers, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State is one of the key communication platforms that the Board uses to engage our stakeholders on our activities.
“Since the launch of our 10-year Strategic Roadmap in 2018, we have utilized the PNC to share our report card on the status of our journey to 70% Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry,” he said.
He also seized the occasion to congratulate the distinguished members of both chambers of the National Assembly and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and President Muhammadu Buhari for their role in ensuring that Petroleum Industry Act became a reality.
“The PIA (2021) has further reinforced the role of NCDMB in the oil and gas industry and we are poised to fully utilize the opportunity provided to derive maximum benefit for our country,” he said.
Delivering a virtual goodwill address at the event, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mele Kyari said the NNPC will continue to partner with the NCDMB to ensure that the Nigerian Content target of 70% is achieved by the year 2027.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri assured of commitments to providing a safe environment that enable businesses thrive and help actualize Nigerian Content goals.
“Let me plead with you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that there is peace, stability and security in the Niger Delta and Bayelsa State in particular so that your business can continue to strive,” he said.
More dignitaries present at the event include the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva represented by Director of Human Resources, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources Dr. Famous Esediwo, among other industry stakeholders and state government functionalities.
