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NCDMB praises Nigerian content achievements in NLNG’s Train 7 project

Posted on by darion

…A call for greater industry cooperation

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has commended the significant progress in Nigerian content achieved under the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) Train 7 project.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, the NCDMB boss made the remarks during a visit to the NLNG six-train construction site, the Train 7 project construction site and the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) training centre, Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE) in Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State.

He stressed the need for increased cooperation and advocacy for Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry. Mr. Olakunle Osobu,

Palmer-Ikuku explained that Ogbe was received by the Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Olakunle Osobu; the General Manager, Production, Engr. Nnamdi Anowi; the Project Director, Train 7, Engr. Ali Uwais; the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NSML, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed and other senior management officials of the company.

Ogbe highlighted how the Train 7 project significantly increased local manufacturing capacity through the production of additional components and accessories in Nigeria, which directly contributed to the successful implementation of the project.

He praised the recent Presidential Directives on Local Participation, which mandate that contracts in the oil and gas sector be awarded only to local companies with proven capabilities to operate in a given country, as key to these achievements.

Reflecting on the progress made, Eng Ogbe stated, “The achievements we are witnessing today on the NLNG Train 7 project are a testament to NLNG’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian content.

“This project is an example of what we can achieve when we prioritize local industries and talent.”

Speaking further, the NCDMB boss commended the NLNG management for achieving 52 million man-hours on the Train 7 project without any Lost Time Injuries (LTI), assuring that “we will support you in achieving whatever you want to achieve for the overall development of Nigeria.”

The NCDMB chief also praised his immediate predecessor, Eng Simbi Kesiye Wabote, for his immense contribution towards the approval, launch and success of the Train 7 project.

Commenting on the activities of the Maritime Centre for Excellence (MCOE), Ogbe expressed satisfaction that it is the first training centre in Africa to be accredited by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) to deliver and issue certificates for the 2010 STCW courses in Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Operations on Liquefied Gas Tankers.

The statement explained that MCOE, a maritime training and research centre, aims to increase maritime expertise in Nigeria and the West African region.

“Currently running a specialist training programme for offshore service providers in the oil and gas sector with the support of NCDMB.

The Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Olakunle Osobu, who represented Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, commended the unwavering support of NCDMB for the Train 7 project, describing the partnership as an excellent example of public-private collaboration that can drive industrial development in Nigeria.

He emphasised that NLNG’s Nigerian content products and services exemplify the potential of strategic collaboration and capacity building, which is aligned with the broader objectives of the NCDMB and contributes to the achievement of the country’s development goals.

Osobu emphasised that Nigerian Content is not merely a regulatory requirement for NLNG but a core business strategy.

“We are determined to go beyond compliance and treat Nigerian content as a fundamental part of our vision to help build a better Nigeria,” he added.

He also highlighted the economic impact of the Train 7 project, stating that the construction of Train 7 will increase Nigeria’s LNG production capacity from 22 metric tons (MT) to 30 MT per annum, which will not only boost the country’s economy by creating jobs and driving sustainable development, but will also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a serious player in the global energy market.

The statement noted that Ogbe’s visit came hot on the heels of his recent visit to BEAMCO Limited, where pumps and valves are being assembled on-site for the Train 7 project, and the commissioning of the Daewoo Galvanizing Plant at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State.