Nigeria tops 180,000 kta galvanizing capacity as Daewoo’s plant comes online
Sopuruchi Onwuka
The commissioning of the steel galvanizing plant built by Daewoo Engineering Nigeria Limited has established the country as one of Africa’s biggest hubs for extended service life of industrial steel materials with total capacity for significant 180,000 tons per annum (kta).
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, declares that the new plant combines with existing ones operated by Dorman-long Engineering, Sparkwest Steel Industries and African Industries Group resonate with the Nigerian Content legacy requirement.
From left: General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Andy Odeh; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; General Manager, Production, NLNG, Engr. Nnamdi Anowi; Director Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu; Manager Human Resources Business Relations, NLNG, Mr. Kennedy Agbonkhese; Manager Non-Technical Risks for Train 7 Projects, Mr. Joshua Anemeje and Manager Nigerian Content Development, NLNG, Engr. Dagogo Buowari at the commissioning ceremony of the 10,000 Tons per annum galvanizing plant constructed by Daewoo Engineeering Nigeria Limited, at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State
Engr Ogbe who commissioned the Daewoo Galvanising Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State, stated that the commissioning of the hot deep galvanizing plant has increased Nigeria’s galvanizing capacity to over 180,000 tons per annum, pointing at existing capacity established by other players in the country.
Daewoo Engineeering Nigeria Limited is one of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors engaged in the delivery of Train 7 Project of the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
Expectedly, the commissioning ceremony was also attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila.
Engr Ogbe stated that the steel 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.
He said the facility would 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.
Engr. 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 (ACFTA) 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 the70% 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.”
Officials inspect the facility site atDaewoo Galvanising Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State
In his remarks, the Managing Director ofNLNG, 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 reportedsignificant 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 industrytook a tour of the plant.
