The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on Wednesday, 20th March, formally acquired10.2 hectares of land in Polaku community, outskirts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State for the construction of the proposed Pipe mill.
The site has a shore line for the construction of a jetty and is nearby the Shell Gbaran Gas Plant and the National Integrated Power Plant being developed by the Federal Government in Gbaran.
The land acquisition marked the commencement of the project as the Board will immediately begin preparation of the site ahead of the detailed investment.
Speaking during the symbolic cheque presentation for the land to the Ezewaribo Family and transfer of deed to NCDMB at the Board’s Headquarters in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary, Engr. Ernest Nwapa thanked the community for being supportive of the project.
He noted that the establishment of the pipe mill was one of the mid-term targets set for the industry by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and would help define the success of the Nigerian Content Act.
Nwapa who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB, Mr. Akintunde Adelana explained that the project’s construction as well as operations would drive development in the oil and gas industry and provide thousands of training and employment opportunities for members of the community and other Nigerians.
“The pipe mill project will be a major economic activity. It is one of the key industries that has been lacking in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and your community is lucky that it will be established in your vicinity,” he added.
In his response, the leader of the Ezewaribo Family, Chief Martins Aweibo thanked the Board for attracting the pipemill project to the community and expressed hope that it will help transform the fortunes of the populace.
“We want the project to take off immediately because it will benefit my family, Bayelsa State and Nigeria in general,” he stated.
Mr. Aweibo also assured the Board and the proposed investors that members of the community were peaceful and would not present any problems to the project.
Officials of the Board confirmed that the formal groundbreaking ceremony of the project will be held soon as all hands were on deck to kick start the project.
