- Highlights its significance to Africa’s Continental Free Trade Agreement Protocols
The Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe (FNSE), has 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.
Ogbe commissioned the plant, at Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State, alongside the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, who was represented by Mr. Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations, and Sustainable Development.
The galvanising plant is one of the capacity development interventions for the Train 7 project and the establishment is in line with NCDMB’s requirement that the execution of any 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.
While commending NLNG and Daewoo Engineering on their swift response to the Nigerian Content legacy requirement, the Executive Secretary said the commissioning of the hot deep galvanizing plant had added impetus to the country’s galvanizing capacity to over 180,000 Tons per annum. Similar facilities have earlier been established by Dorman-long Engineering, Sparkwest steel industries and African Industries Group.
He explained that the facility would serve the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors – the telecommunications industry, as well as the power and transport sectors – all of which require galvanized materials to operate while highlighting the importance of galvanizing to include corrosion protection thereby extending the service life of any steel materials, leaving room for cost-efficiencies 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 added that the domiciliation of key industry capacities would inevitably contribute, and significantly too, towards the attainment of the 70% Nigerian Content target by 2027.
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 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.
Mshelbila 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.