What extra lift will NCDMB give local oil and gas companies in an optimistic 2025?
As Nigeria steps into 2025, the focus remains on local service companies demonstrating their competence and contributing to the nation’s ambitions of exporting energy products like crude oil and natural gas.
With the new year’s initial enthusiasm subsiding, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) remains steadfast in its mission to fortify indigenous capabilities within the oil and gas industry. This is especially critical given the high expectations placed by Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the sector to drive investment and economic growth. So, how will the wheels turn going forward?
On Tuesday, 29 January 2025, the NCDMB’s executive secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, alongside top executives from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), toured the facilities of Brightwaters Energy Limited in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. This visit marked a pivotal moment, emphasising the Board’s ongoing commitment to enhancing local service companies.
The tour included stops at three key sites in Choba, Port Harcourt, and Emohua, all located within Rivers State. It is a visit that followed a similar delegation in May 2024, which assessed Brightwaters’ capacity for pipe coating services. Approximately eight months later, Engr. Ogbe and his team returned to evaluate what upgrades have been made since they last appeared.
This continuous engagement underscores the NCDMB’s pledge to bolster local service companies, ensuring that Nigeria creates well-paying jobs and reduces reliance on expatriates for complex oil industry tasks. By improving the technical capabilities of local firms like Brightwaters Energy, the Board aims to position these vital players that require constant push to grow for upcoming industry projects.
The voice of leadership
Ahead of the inspection, Engr. Ogbe expressed the Board’s determination to utilise the capabilities of local oil and gas service companies. He emphasised that enhancing local content and providing employment align with President Tinubu’s economic aspirations.
Ogbe highlighted Brightwaters’ strong track record, citing successful projects executed for major operators like SPDC and Chevron Nigeria Limited. He urged operating companies to support qualified local service providers and ensure the delivery of top-quality services on schedule.
The Community and Corporate Affairs Manager of Brightwaters Mr. Solomon Aluge also gave a remark. In his opening address, he confirmed that his company had been engaging with SPDC and was equipped for both heavy and light fabrication works.
Testifying to their strengths getting more obvious, he noted that Brightwaters had completed numerous onshore and offshore pipeline engineering and installation projects for various clients. At the moment, says Aluge, Brightwaters is currently mobilising for Chevron and Tulcan pipeline works.
Mr Scott Gregory, who is Brightwaters Energy Limited’s chief executive officer, expressed his delight at hosting the Executive Secretary and SPDC representatives. He assured them of the company’s extensive capabilities in the oil and gas sector, providing technical details of various projects executed over the years.
The CEO’s confidence in Brightwaters’ competencies bodes well for the company’s future in handling upcoming field projects.
What were the highlights?
During the tour, key facilities were showcased, including a blast furnace for smelting demonstrations and the Sea Horizon Derrick Lay Barge, a multipurpose offshore construction vessel with a heavy-lift capacity of 1,320 tons. The vessel’s capabilities in marine construction, such as the installation of rigid and flexible pipelines, risers, and umbilicals, were highlighted.
Mr. Lanre Olawuyi, the General Manager of Local Content at Shell saw this and that led him to commend Brightwaters Energy’s facilities and capabilities. He affirmed that Shell’s technical teams would review their findings and consider engaging Brightwaters for upcoming projects.
Shell’s general manager Olawuyi was particularly impressed with the upgrades made since the last visit in May 2024 alongside Engr. Felix Ogbe. He expressed hope that the facility would attract more patronage from the oil industry.
As Nigeria steps into 2025, the focus remains on local service companies demonstrating their competence and contributing to the nation’s ambitions of exporting energy products like crude oil and natural gas. The NCDMB’s persistent support and the collaboration between local firms and major operators promise a year filled with opportunities for growth and development.
With Brightwaters Energy exemplifying the strides being made, there is a palpable sense of optimism for what the year will bring. The concerted efforts to enhance local capabilities and ensure quality service delivery will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
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Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
