NCDMB Unveils $100m Composite Pipes, Valve Plant to Boost Capacity
Samuel Mobolaji
Following completion of the mega project, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) unveiled the 50,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) Bell Oil & Gas’ integrated pipe threading, valve assembly and composite pipes manufacturing facility, located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFZ), Lagos.
Unveiling the facility with an estimated cost of $100 million over a five-year period, the Executive Secretary (ES) of NCDMB, Mr. Omatsola Ogbe, said the landmark project owned by an indigenous oil service company was a testament to the growth of local competence and capacity in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
According to Ogbe: “Today’s commissioning of Bell Oil & Gas FZE’s state-of-the-art facility for pipe threading, machining, valve manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance marks a significant advancement in our industry. I commend Bell Oil & Gas for their foresight and commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy sector.
“They are not only creating infrastructure but are also driving the in-country value that is vital for our nation’s progress. This facility will bolster our capabilities, offering essential services that will be instrumental in meeting the growing demand for oil and gas infrastructure within Nigeria.”
He emphasised that Nigerian Content was not ‘Nigerianisation’ or exclusion of foreign participation in the oil and gas Industry but rather an implementation model which provides sufficient opportunities for participation of multinationals, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and offshore vendors in a mutually beneficial manner.
According to him, with major projects such as the Dangote Refinery, TotalEnergies Ubeta gas project, Ajaokuta l-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, the demand for these services continues to grow.
The ES, maintained that Bell Oil & Gas was positioning itself well to meet the foregoing demand, thus reducing the country’s dependence on imported materials and services, and ensuring the retention of the economic benefits within the Nigerian borders.
Emphasizing the importance of engaging Nigerian youth in the sector, the local content regulator stated that the oil and gas industry provides vast opportunities across the value chain – from production and engineering to logistics and project management.
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Bell Oil & Gas, Dr. Kayode Thomas, stated that, the project which is being built in three phases was designed to provide pipe threading, Oil Composite Tubular Goods (OCTG) used for drilling in onshore and offshore operations.
He said the facility would serve as a valve manufacturing, assembly, repair, maintenance workshop and a composite pipe fabrication plant.
About The Author
