By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) at Emeyal-1, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State will become operational by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi gave the assurance after an assessment visit to the facility by key personnel of the Board on Friday.
Obinna said the NCDMB has concluded arrangement to install a 2.5-megawatt Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power plant at the park before its takeoff date.
The power plant, Obinna said, was one of the key steps taken by the board to get the facility operational, as it would provide reliable and sustainable electricity supply to support industrial operations within the park.
The general manager hinted that the tour revealed significant progress across key infrastructure and support systems designed to position the facility as a major industrial hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He said the NOGaPS was conceived to deepen Nigerian content by providing a conducive environment for the manufacturing of components, equipment and other inputs required by the oil and gas industry.
Obinna pointed out that the facility would create employment opportunities for over 2000 persons when fully operational, and stimulate economic growth.
Giving further insights into the current state of the facility, Manager Strategy and Transformation Projects, NCDMB, Mr. Olubisi Okunola explained that several critical facilities within the park had been completed and were ready for use.
He said they include: manufacturing shop floors, a fully functional water treatment plant, well-equipped accommodation facilities, modern classrooms, an amphitheater, and residential apartments for trainers, facilitators and visiting guests.
In addition to the CNG power plant, he disclosed that NCDMB has also completed key power infrastructure, including the switchgear building, transformers and heavy-duty generators.
He noted that to further enhance the park’s capacity for manufacturing activities, the Board has also awarded a contract for the sand-filling of ponds located within the facility.
He also revealed that upon completion of the sand-filling exercise, six manufacturing sheds would be constructed on the reclaimed land to provide industrial spaces for prospective investors and service providers.
Okunola added that environmental maintenance activities were also ongoing, with landscaping and routine facility upkeep being carried out across the park to preserve existing infrastructure and maintain operational readiness.
“Ongoing works at the facility are focused on ensuring that all supporting infrastructure and utilities required for seamless operations are fully in place ahead of the park’s planned operational date.
“When operational, the oil and gas park scheme will serve as a strategic platform for the growth of indigenous manufacturing and service companies, reduce dependence on imported oil and gas components, create employment opportunities for Nigerians, and strengthen local participation across the oil and gas value chain.
“The NCDMB remains committed to the successful delivery of the project in line with its mandate of developing in-country capacity and advancing Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry,” a statement signed by the general manager, corporate communications, added.
