By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe on Friday commissioned the 10,000 Tons per annum galvanizing plant constructed by Daewoo Engineering Nigeria Limited, one of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors of the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Train 7 Project.
The ceremony which was held at Daewoo Galvanising Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State was attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila.
The Galvanizing plant is one of the capacity development interventions for the Train 7 project and the establishment is sequel to NCDMB’s 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.
The Executive Secretary lauded NLNG and Daewoo Engineering for responding positively to the Nigerian Content legacy requirement, adding that the commissioning of the hot deep galvanizing plant has increased Nigeria’s galvanizing capacity to over 180,000 Tons/annum, with other facilities established by Dorman-long Engineering, Sparkwest steel industries and African Industries Group.
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, he explained, included corrosion protection, extended service life of steel materials, cost-effectiveness and safety assurances.
Ogbe indicated 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 intensive marketing and remain committed to quality standards and competitiveness.
He confirmed that the domiciliation of key industry capacities is contributing towards the attainment of the 70% Nigerian Content target by 2027 and “underscores the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration towards implementing pro-local production reforms that will bring about employment and economic prosperity.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to achieving its Nigerian Content objectives in its Train 7 Project on Bonny Island.
According to Dr. Mshelbila, 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.
“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 said.
Represented by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, the Managing Director reported significant progress in the Train 7 Project reflecting the Company’s commitment to excellence.
“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,” he stressed.
The industry executives alongside other executives of NLNG, NCDMB, Daewoo Construction and key stakeholders of the oil and gas industry took a tour of the plant.
