NLNG’s Train 7 showcases Nigeria’s industrial prowess __Ogbe
Sopuruchi Onwuka
Federal government has commended the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and its local contractors on exceeding expectations on local job delivery in the ongoing plant construction and expansion project.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was on regulatory inspection of the seventh processing train of the NLNG declared the significant role played by local contractors in the execution of the project.
The value regulator also lauded the management of NLNG for achieving 52 million man-hours on the Train 7 project with zero lost time injury (LTI), and pledged to support the company to accomplish more feats for the overall development of Nigeria.
Engr Ogbe who pointed at the stellar performance of his predecessor, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, and his immense contributions towards the approval, take-off and success of the Train 7 project, emphasized the critical importance of Nigerian Content in driving the project’s success and enhancing the local economy.
Engr. Ogbe who also visited the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) training centre, Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE) in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State, praised the remarkable progress in job creation and local involvement.
He emphasised the need for increased collaboration and advocacy for Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry. He noted that a large percentage of the work on Train 7 has been handled by Nigerian companies.
He highlighted that the Train 7 project has significantly boosted local capacity through the production of ancillary components and accessories within Nigeria, contributing directly to the project’s successful execution.
He highlighted the fact that local contractors are responsible for assembling essential components such as pumps, valves, and other key equipment within Nigeria, significantly boosting local manufacturing capacity.
This robust engagement of Nigerian contractors in high-value segments of the project, he noted, showcases the country’s growing industrial competence and aligns with the broader objectives of the NCDMB to promote in-country value addition.
In pointing out that the economic impact of high level of Nigerian participation is profound, Engr. Ogbe underscored that the project has contributed directly to job creation, with thousands of Nigerian workers employed across various aspects of the project.
Additionally, he said that the integration of local contractors has retained substantial financial resources within the Nigerian economy, creating a multiplier effect that supports sustainable development and strengthens local industries.
Engr. Ogbe noted that the success of the Train 7 Project can be attributed to recent Presidential Directives that mandate contracts in the oil and gas sector to be awarded to local companies with proven capabilities.
“This policy has not only enabled Nigerian companies to gain invaluable experience and technical expertise it has also contributed to a substantial increase in local content across the sector,” Engr Ogbe stated.
In reflecting on the achievements of local content in the project, Engr. Ogbe stated: “The level of involvement of Nigerian contractors in Train 7 is exemplary. It is a clear demonstration of how prioritizing Nigerian Content can generate economic value, create jobs, and enhance local capacity. This project stands as a powerful testament to the benefits of investing in local expertise.”
Commenting on the Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE), Engr. Ogbe expressed delight that it is the first training centre in Africa to receive accreditation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) to deliver and issue certificates for the STCW 2010 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations courses.
The MCOE, a maritime training and research facility, aims to enhance maritime expertise in Nigeria and the West African region. It currently hosts a specialised training programme for marine services providers in the upstream oil and gas sector, with the support of NCDMB.
Deputy Managing Director of the NLNG, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, who represented Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, also echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Nigerian Content is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic business focus for NLNG.
He highlighted the economic impact of the Train 7 Project, stating that the addition of Train 7 will expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity from 22 million tons (MT) to 30MT annually, boost the economy, create thousands of jobs, and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global energy market.
He lauded the NCDMB’s unwavering support for the Train 7 Project, describing the partnership as a shining example of the public-private collaboration to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He emphasised that NLNG’s Nigerian Content performance showcases the power of strategic collaboration and capacity building, aligning with the NCDMB’s broader objectives and contributing to national development goals.
“We are committed to going beyond compliance, embracing Nigerian Content as a fundamental part of our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria,” he added.
Engr. Ogbe had earlier had a tour of local assembly sites such as BEAMCO Limited, where pumps and valves for Train 7 are manufactured; and the Daewoo Galvanising Plant in Rivers State.
The two industrial service yards reinforces the depth of local involvement in major industrial projects.
The Oracle Today reports that through strong local participation, the Train 7 Project stands as a beacon of the transformative potential of Nigerian Content in driving both economic growth and industry development.
