The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has hailed the Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, and its contractor, Daewoo Nigeria Limited, for their investment in local capacity development, stressing the importance of extending such capacities to benefit other sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe gave the commendation when he paid a visit to the Daewoo galvanising plant situated at Abam-Ama in Okrika, Rivers State.
The galvanising plant, which is ready for commissioning, was initiated on the back of the NLNG Train 7 project, for which Daewoo Nigeria Limited is the engineering, procurement and construction, EPC, contractor.
The new plant boasts a load-out capacity of 10,000 metric tons and contributing to a total in-country capacity of 120,000 metric tons per year.
Spanning an area of 87,000 square meters, the plant applies a protective zinc coating to steel to safeguard against corrosion; a significant application in the oil and gas sector, where it aids in the resilience of equipment against harsh environmental conditions, ultimately reducing maintenance costs and prolonging equipment lifespan.
Ogbe, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, reiterated the mandate of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which obligates the Board to ensure that critical capacities developed within Nigeria are utilized by the oil and gas industry, fostering employment opportunities and retaining expenditure within the local economy.
The NCDMB boss assured Daewoo Nigeria Limited of the Board’s unwavering commitment to supporting its utilization.
He emphasised the Board’s expectation for Daewoo Nigeria Limited and similar manufacturers to localize the production of capital goods in-country, thereby reducing the importation of finished products.
Other notable galvanising plants in the country, according to NCDMB, are Dorman Long Engineering plant and Orbit Steel galvanising plant.