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

He stated this during an inspection of the NOGAPS Gas Hub at Polaku in Yenagoa LGA and the NCDMB Power Plant at Elebele Ogbia LGA.

The minister was conducted on a tour of facilities by the executive secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Wabote.

The minister said, “I am impressed with what I am seeing on the 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 thrive in the country.”

He said oil and gas players had embraced the concept of having manufacturing hubs near the oilfields. He explained that applicants were from companies that wanted to manufacture oil 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,” the minister said.

The NCDMB executive secretary said building things in Bayelsa usually took time due to the challenging terrain and topography, including flood, which slowed down construction.

He expressed optimism that the facility would be ready for inauguration by the first quarter of 2024. He said the board was screening vendors who had 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,” said Mr Wabote. “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.” 

(NAN)