By John Ikani
As part of efforts geared towards building a globally competitive liquefied natural gas company, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) have agreed to set up an NCDMB-NLNG working group that would meet on a regular basis to enhance the collaboration of both organizations.
This was the result of a courtesy visit paid to the Board by the MD and Executive management team of the NLNG at the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Wednesday.
The team was received by top management of the NCDMB led by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
Speaking during the visit, the MD/CEO of the NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila said it was aimed at presenting the new management to the Board and to appreciate the NCDMB for supporting them in pursuing their vision of building a “globally competitive LNG company, which will also help to build a better Nigeria.”
Dr. Mshelbila sought the continuous support and collaboration of the Board with the NLNG to address the issue of Energy poverty in the country by working to ensure the availability, access and affordability of LPG for domestic consumption.
The NLNG CEO commended the Board for creating the “unique SLA” that shortened the Contracting Cycle and accelerated the signing of the NLNG Train 7, and described it as “an industry example that Operators could partner with a Regulator in a seamless way that enables business.”
He proposed the creation of an NCDMB-NLNG working group that would meet on a regular basis to enhance the collaboration of both organizations. He also requested for the opportunity to send NLNG staff to the Board on secondment to study the workings of the NCDMB.
Responding, the Executive Secretary welcomed the NLNG delegation and expressed delight in the fact that they are all Nigerians – which was not the case some years back – successfully running one of the most successful companies in Nigeria.
Engr. Wabote commended the NLNG for the work they have done so far on the Train 7 project and encouraged them to publicize their progress in terms of the level of construction and job creation to Nigerians as it positively impacts the economy.
The local content helmsman encouraged the NLNG to start working towards a Train 8 project with a view to keeping up with developments in the global environment such as the investments made by countries like Qatar in the Gas sector.
He also congratulated the NLNG on the attainment of 7 million man hours on their Train 7 project, noting that milestones like that are worth celebrating because they are attained through significant efforts.
On the issue of the NCDMB-NLNG Working Group, the ES approved the idea and said that it will be chaired by the GM Project Certification and Authorisation, Engr. Paul Zuhumben, and have representation from the M&E Directorate and Capacity Building Division of the NCDMB.
Speaking further, the ES said “we must accelerate the process to build an e-Marketplace between us. We want your cooperation on this because it has to be a joint activity to improve our processes. We are committed to collaborating with you in any form to ensure LPG penetration in the country.”
The Executive Secretary also use the opportunity of the meeting to invite the NLGN Management for upcoming Events such as the groundbreaking ceremony for the NCDMB’S Conference Hostel in September and this year’s PNC in December.
The MD/CEO of the NLNG was accompanied by DMD, Olalekun Ogunleye, GM HR, Terhemba Makeri, GM E R, Andy Odeh, Mgr NC, Dagogo Buowari, Mgr ERC, Charles Epelle, Mgr C&P, Abdul Umar, Head ER, Orifie Uyo, TA-MD/DD, Kehinde Akinola, Head NC, Emmanuel Uleh, Monitoring Advisor, Gboyega Otolorin.
Some of the management of the Board present at the meeting include Akintunde Adelana Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, Mr Isaac Yalah Director Finance & Personnel Management, Engr. Paul Zuhumben, General Manager, Project Certifications & Authorization (PCAD), Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, ES-STA/General Manager, Strategy And Transformation Projects, Engr. Okey Egbuta.
Others are the GM, Conference Hostel Building, Esueme Dan Kikile, Manager Corporate Communications, Engr. Iwhiwhu Maurice, Kelly, Manager Strategic Business Development, Capacity Building, Alexis Omella, Manager MED, Victor Amabebe, PA-ES/Deputy Manager STAD, John Barigha, TA-ES, among others.
