NCDMB channels unrelenting thirst for more manufacturing expansion with valve maker MT Group
A delegation from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently visited MT Valves West Africa Free Zone at the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, Nigeria. The visit was aimed at assessing the company’s operations and its ambitious plans to establish a state-of-the-art industrial valves manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
MT Valves West Africa is a subsidiary of MT Group, a globally recognised manufacturer of industrial valves with a strong presence across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The parent company, MT Group, currently produces 60,000 tons of valves annually from its manufacturing hub in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It also operates a cutting-edge research and development center alongside its global headquarters in Shanghai, China.
During the visit, NCDMB representatives, led by Special Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Engr. Harmony Kunu, alongside Manager Media and Publicity, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, and Manager Commercial Ventures, Ms. Chika Enwerem, engaged with MT Valves West Africa’s leadership. They included Managing Director, Mr. Thomas Zhang, and Sales Director, Mr. Elliot Aigbokhade, who outlined the company’s plans and milestones.
MT Valves West Africa specialises in designing and supplying industrial valves for key sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and allied industries. Despite being relatively new to the Nigerian market, the firm has already established itself as a vendor to Shell Nigeria.
The company is committed to aligning its operations with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. It has initiated the process of setting up an advanced manufacturing workshop in Lekki Free Zone, aiming to become a key player in local capacity development and industrialisation efforts.
Bridging the local manufacturing gap
One of the most significant aspects of MT Valves West Africa’s expansion strategy is addressing the gap in industrial valves manufacturing within Nigeria.
According to the company’s leadership, there are currently no local manufacturers producing industrial valves at scale in the country. To bridge this gap, MT Valves intends to develop a manufacturing facility modeled after its Abu Dhabi factory, which supplies valves to various international markets.
The proposed facility in Lekki will commence operations with an initial production capacity of 15,000 valves per year. This investment plan follows a phased growth strategy, emphasising local value addition, a robust supply chain, and eventual expansion into regional markets.
Additionally, the facility will conduct maintenance and repair services, assembly operations, and full-scale manufacturing activities. MT Valves West Africa plans to secure the necessary certifications from NCDMB and other regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and maximise business viability.
Beyond manufacturing, MT Valves West Africa is invested in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem. The firm intends to source some raw materials locally, create employment opportunities, and engage Nigerian partners in business and technical training programs. Training initiatives will take place both within Nigeria and internationally, preparing local professionals to operate the facility effectively.
To facilitate industry collaboration, the company seeks the NCDMB’s regulatory support and assistance in networking with major players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They also highlighted that some vital equipment has already been installed at their facility, with additional shipments en route to Nigeria.3
NCDMB’s endorsement and call for strategic planning
The NCDMB delegation expressed strong support for credible industrial investments within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They emphasised the importance of domiciliation and domestication of industry capacities to create employment opportunities and drive economic growth—an objective aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s industrialisation mandate.
NCDMB urged MT Valves West Africa to develop a comprehensive investment plan outlining specific milestones, local content contributions, material sourcing strategies, and economic impact projections.
Additionally, the Board invited the company to participate in the upcoming Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), scheduled for May 20–22, 2025. This event presents an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about new projects, market trends, and growth opportunities.
Following this latest visit, MT Valves extended an invitation to Nigerian government officials and key industry representatives—including the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited—to visit its manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
The goal of the visit, when it happens, is to provide firsthand insight into the company’s capabilities and demonstrate the scale of investment intended for Nigeria.
With NCDMB’s support, MT Valves West Africa is well-positioned to contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development while fostering sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.
As the company progresses with its manufacturing plans, it is expected to play a significant role in enhancing Nigeria’s local content, technological advancement, and job creation.
