NCDMB and Julius Berger Set to Transform Bayelsa State with Oloibiri Museum Project
In a significant development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has signed a monumental engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Julius Berger PLC for the establishment of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC). This project, to be located in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, promises to serve as a beacon of economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural preservation.
The contract was executed on Thursday at the NCDMB’s liaison office in Abuja by the Board’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, alongside representatives from Julius Berger and other key stakeholders. This historic initiative will span 30 months of construction, with a vision to deliver a world-class facility that celebrates Nigeria’s rich hydrocarbon history while paving the way for research-driven innovation in the oil and gas sector.
A Collaborative Effort
The OMRC project represents a unique public-private partnership, jointly financed by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), NCDMB, Shell Petroleum Development Company/Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, and the Bayelsa State Government. The funding ratio—40% from PTDF, 30% from NCDMB, 20% from Shell/NNPC, and 10% from Bayelsa State Government—highlights the shared commitment to this transformative project.
The initiative operates under a company registered by guarantee, with representatives from the four partner organizations serving as board members. Engr. Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, chairs this company, with Mr. Naboth Onyesoh, NCDMB’s Director of Legal Services, acting as Secretary.
Government Endorsement and Groundbreaking Ceremony
The OMRC project received its first major boost in February 2023, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the EPC contract was awarded to Julius Berger for a sum of N117 billion. The groundbreaking ceremony, held the same month, was a vibrant event attended by top government officials, oil and gas industry leaders, and members of the local community.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering support for the project. Recognizing the overdue need for a facility that honors Nigeria’s status as a leading oil producer, President Tinubu has championed the multi-sector collaboration that has brought the OMRC closer to fruition.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Speaking at the contract signing, Engr. Ogbe expressed his excitement at this pivotal milestone, which officially signals the start of construction. He underscored the OMRC’s potential to drive significant economic benefits at both the local and national levels, particularly during its construction and operational phases.
“This project will not only honor the birthplace of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but also position Bayelsa State as a hub for energy innovation and tourism,” said Engr. Ogbe. He extended his gratitude to the project’s partners and other stakeholders, acknowledging their collective contributions to the initiative’s progress.
Preserving History, Inspiring Innovation
The OMRC is set to deliver a state-of-the-art oil and gas museum that will chronicle the history of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon journey, which began in Oloibiri in 1958. Visitors will explore geological exhibits, early drilling equipment, tools, and platforms that highlight the evolution of oil exploration and production in the country. The museum will serve as both an educational resource and a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Equally transformative is the research and testing center, which will facilitate field trials of indigenous oil and gas technologies. This facility will offer Nigerian university students unprecedented access to advanced research tools and methodologies, fostering the next generation of engineers and scientists. By supporting homegrown innovation, the OMRC aims to commercialize local research and integrate it into Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
Creating Jobs and Building a Sustainable Future
The OMRC is not just a cultural and technological landmark; it is also an economic engine. Its construction and operation are expected to create numerous employment opportunities for Nigerians, from construction workers to research scientists and administrative staff. Additionally, the museum’s operations will spur the growth of ancillary industries, including tourism, hospitality, and retail.
By fostering a conducive environment for research commercialization, the OMRC will also help Nigerian entrepreneurs develop and scale innovative technologies for the oil and gas sector. This aligns with the federal government’s broader vision of economic diversification and self-reliance.
A Legacy Project for Bayelsa and Nigeria
The Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. It pays homage to the historic community of Oloibiri, where commercial oil production first began, while charting a path for a more sustainable and innovative energy future.
As construction begins, the partnership between NCDMB, Julius Berger, and other stakeholders demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, vision, and commitment. The OMRC is not just a project; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s potential to honor its past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
With 30 months until completion, the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre is poised to become a centerpiece of Nigeria’s energy landscape—a place where history, innovation, and opportunity converge.
