NCDMB And NLNG Commission Galvanizing Plant For Train 7 Project, Reaffirm Commitment To Nigerian Content

NCDMB and NLNG Commission Galvanizing Plant for Train 7 Project, Reaffirm Commitment to Nigerian Content

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NCDMB and NLNG Commission Galvanizing Plant for Train 7 Project, Reaffirm Commitment to Nigerian Content

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s industrial capacity, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) have commissioned a new galvanizing plant with a capacity of 10,000 tons per annum. This facility, constructed by Daewoo Engineering Nigeria Limited, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for NLNG’s Train 7 Project, marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance local content in the oil and gas industry.

The commissioning ceremony, held at Daewoo Galvanizing Plant in Abam-ama, Okrika, Rivers State, was presided over by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, along with other key stakeholders.

The establishment of this galvanizing plant is part of NCDMB’s mandate requiring that major EPC projects include the development of legacy investments that address critical capacity gaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Engr. Ogbe praised both NLNG and Daewoo Engineering for their commitment to this requirement, noting that the new facility significantly increases Nigeria’s galvanizing capacity, which now stands at over 180,000 tons per annum, thanks to other plants established by companies like Dorman-Long Engineering, Sparkwest Steel Industries, and African Industries Group.

“The commissioning of this hot-dip galvanizing plant is a testament to our ongoing efforts to bolster local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” said Engr. Ogbe. “This facility will serve not only the oil and gas sector but also other key industries such as telecommunications, power, and transportation that rely on galvanized materials for their operations. Galvanizing is essential for corrosion protection, extending the service life of steel materials, and ensuring cost-effectiveness and safety.”

Engr. Ogbe further highlighted that the galvanizing plants, alongside other strategic investments in Nigerian Content, have the potential to attract patronage from sister African countries under the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards and competitiveness to fully capitalize on these opportunities.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a 70% Nigerian Content target by 2027, noting that the establishment of such facilities underscores the administration’s dedication to implementing pro-local production reforms that drive employment and economic prosperity.

In his remarks, NLNG’s Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian Content, particularly in the execution of the Train 7 Project on Bonny Island. He emphasized the critical role of galvanizing in protecting steel for durability, especially within the energy sector, which enhances operational efficiency and reduces wastage from frequent replacements.

“The commissioning of the Daewoo Galvanizing Plant is a clear demonstration of our compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and our broader vision of being a globally competitive LNG company that contributes to building a better Nigeria,” said Dr. Mshelbila. “This facility not only expands our industrial capabilities but also reaffirms our commitment to contributing to the local economy and creating sustainable job opportunities.”

Represented by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, Dr. Mshelbila highlighted the significant progress made in the Train 7 Project, describing it as a groundbreaking initiative that sets new standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He noted several milestones, including the completion of key construction phases and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance operational capabilities, all of which underscore NLNG’s dedication to excellence and local content.

“Our commitment to Nigerian Content is evident in every aspect of our operations,” he added. “From enhancing local capabilities to fostering technological innovation, NLNG is determined to ‘Go Beyond Compliance’ in line with our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.”

Following the commissioning, industry executives, along with other key stakeholders from NLNG, NCDMB, and Daewoo Construction, took a tour of the newly established plant, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s industrial development.