Petroleum minister commends NCDMB for developing oil and gas hub in Bayelsa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS), at Emeyal, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

He stated this on Tuesday, during an inspection of NOGAPS, Gas Hub at Polaku, in Yenagoa Local Government Area and NCDMB Power Plant at Elebele Ogbia LGA.

The Minister was conducted on a tour of facilities by the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote.

The Minister said: “I am impressed with what I am seeing on ground that after the presentation in Abuja by the Executive Secretary, I decided to come see things for myself.

“This is a world-class concept and it is going to be a game changer when it is completed.

“The APC government has promised Nigerians that they are going to create an opportunity for industry to drive in the country,” he said.

He noted that oil and gas players have embraced the concept of having manufacturing hubs near the oilfields,

He explained that applicants are already coming from companies who want to manufacture óil and gas inputs and pledged to support the NCDMB to complete the park.

“This will surely create more jobs not only for the oil industry but for the entire economy for the benefit of the people.

“So, I am highly impressed and I cannot wait for this to be completed for the economic benefit of the whole of Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, the Executive Secretary said that building things in Bayelsa usually takes time due to the challenging terrain and topography, including flood which slows down construction.

He expressed optimism that the facility will be ready for inauguration by the first quarter of 2024.

He said that the board is screening vendors who have shown interest

“You know when you put out something like this a lot of people will indicate interest but you have to screen them to know those who are serious.

“You know we still have a similar project in Odukpani, in Cross River State, we have to keep track of those who have applied and we are screening them.

“Indeed, at the appropriate time we will allocate to those who will come and set up manufacturing here,” he said.