NCDMB Boss Advocates Local Facility Patronage In Oil And Gas Industry

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, recently visited the premises of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN) and Africoat Nigeria Limited, a pipe coating facility located in Takwa Bay, Lagos. This visit aligns with his commitment to evaluating oil and gas facilities nationwide, ensuring their participation in current and forthcoming major industry projects.

Promoting Local Involvement in Oil and Gas Projects

During his inspection, Ogbe reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to collaborating with international oil companies (IOCs) to foster new projects. He emphasized the necessity for these companies to engage indigenous firms with demonstrated expertise, as stipulated by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. He highlighted that the board’s initiatives support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda by accelerating new projects, generating employment, and stimulating economic growth.

Samsung Heavy Industries Showcases Capacity

At Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Managing Director Mr. Jin Lee showcased the company’s local capabilities, which include heavy fabrication and FPSO integration quayside. He referenced SHIN’s successful execution of six modules for TotalEnergies’ Egina FPSO in 2018, demonstrating their expertise in handling large-scale projects.

Business Development Manager, Mr. David Bruce Inglis, elaborated on SHIN’s training initiatives, revealing that 560 welders, including women, were trained during the Egina project. He noted that the facility once employed over 1,000 workers at its peak but has since scaled down to 131 due to a lack of ongoing projects. However, he assured that former employees could be rehired once new projects are secured. Additionally, he hinted at SHIN’s future plans to manufacture oil and gas components within Nigeria for export, leveraging the country’s strategic geographic position.

Africoat Urged to Resolve Disputes for Business Revival

At Africoat, Ogbe urged the company’s leadership to settle its longstanding disputes with its financial partners and landlord, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL). These unresolved conflicts have hindered the plant’s operations since its completion in 2017. He recommended a peaceful resolution to enable the facility’s rehabilitation, which would benefit investors and create employment opportunities.

Africoat’s Managing Director, Mr. Frank Twynam, acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve the impasse. He revealed that a substantial investment of $42 million was made to develop the corrosion and concrete weight coating plant. He further assured that once the dispute is settled, a comprehensive plan is in place to restore the facility to full operational capacity.