The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote has commended the airport project being undertaken by the Bayelsa State Government, describing it as a key infrastructure that will attract oil and gas investments to the state.
The Executive Secretary stated this after he inspected the airport site at Amasoma, Southern-Ijaw LGA, in company with officials of the state government.
Engr. Wabote who commended the quality of work, noted that the airport runway, said to extend to three kilometers would be the first of its kind in Nigeria. He added that the project would contribute to the economic transformation of Bayelsa State if properly managed and linked to other developmental initiatives. “The right quality is being maintained and this can stand any airport of its kind in any part of this world.”
Speaking further, Wabote called for more publicity on the airport project so that the private sector across the country would be aware. “Just like me, everybody will think that it’s probably an airstrip that is being constructed. But we can see the quality of contractor being used here. This is Dantata and the company has done similar projects all over Nigeria. The state government needs to bring more people here and talk about it.”
Speaking further, the Executive Secretary pledged to publicise the airport project so that oil and gas stakeholders can support it.
The Board’s support of the Bayelsa State’s developmental projects is in line with the goals of the Petroleum Industry Roadmap, which includes attracting investments to the Niger Delta region. This will help enthrone a favourable security climate that will allow for oil and gas operations to thrive.
Engr. Wabote played a key role in the construction of the Osubi airport in Warri, Delta State years ago while working for Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
