Total completes OML 58 projects, records high Nigerian Content achievements

Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited has said that it exceeded Nigerian Content targets in the execution of Oil Mining Lease 58 upgrade projects which it completed recently.

The OML 58 is located onshore in Rivers States, approximately 85 kilometers North West of Port Harcourt and the upgrade projects were designed to improve oil recovery, boost gas supply for industrial and domestic use and increase deliveries to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) while meeting the Federal Government’s Gas flare out policy.

Oil production from OML started in 1966 from Obagi field while gas production started in 1999 from Ibewa. Gas export from the facility to Bonny NLNG is through the GTS1 while oil is exported to Shell Bonny terminal through SPDC lines at Rumuekpe. 

Giving a breakdown of the project during a visit by the NCDMB media crew recently, the Project General Manager, Engr. Kayode Akiode listed the components to include the upgrade of the Ogbogu Flow Station, erection of a new Field Logistics Base, construction of a new Obite Gas Treatment Centre, construction of the 42 kilometer O.U.R Pipeline from Obite to Rumuji and the construction of 50 kilometer 24inch Northern Option Pipeline (NOPL).

Listing key Nigerian Content achievements on the Obite Gas Plant and Ogbogu Flow Station, Akiode stated that detailed engineering on the project was done by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Cakasa while Carbon Steel was executed by Dormanlong Nigeria.

Another major Nigerian Content accomplishment on the project was also the Obagi pipe insulation which was executed by Deepwell Technical Nigeria led by Mr. Lawrence Ezeh.

Other Nigerian companies that executed key scopes on the projects included NEGRIS, PNL, CHIMESS and LUBROK Nigeria.

Firms like Point Engineering, DAMAGIX Nigeria, Pipe Coaters, SURVICON, Fezinar, Sanaglobe and MUDIAME were among other firms that worked on other aspects of the project.

According to the General Manager, the company set out to achieve 70 per cent Nigerian Content on the upgrade of the Ogbogu Flow Station but exceeded expectations by recording 73 per cent.

He also reported that Total targeted 78 per cent on the O.U.R Pipeline but achieved 79 per cent while it accomplished 91 per cent Nigerian Content on the Northern Option Pipeline (NOPL) as against the target of 89 per cent.

The OML 58 upgrade project also sponsored and trained 247 Nigerian youths in diverse areas including machining, welding, instrumentation, pipe welding and pipe fitting, with 42 of them getting their training in Norway and Namibia.

In its determination to develop its host communities on the back of the project, Akiode said Total E&P signed 25 memorandum of understanding. The highlight of the MoU is that the members of the community constituted 100 per cent of unskilled labour that worked on the project, 60 per cent of semi-skilled labour and 40 per cent of skilled personnel.

The company also committed to train over 100 community personnel on welding, and fitting, scaffolding and other specialised skills.

He put the number of contracts awarded to community contractors at 2,743 even as he said that steady power supply to its primary host communities-Egi has been provided free since 2005 at the annual cost of $1.7m.