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NCDMB targets 2,000 jobs, begins Bayelsa industrial park phase II

By Collins Olayinka, Abuja
13 June 2019   |   3:03 am
No fewer than 2,000 direct jobs would be created when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) in Emeyal-1, Ogbialand in Bayelsa State takes off. The park would also serve as a capacity development centre and on-the-job training hub for youths. This comes as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) launches the…

Executive Secretary, Simbi Wabote of NCDMB

No fewer than 2,000 direct jobs would be created when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) in Emeyal-1, Ogbialand in Bayelsa State takes off.

The park would also serve as a capacity development centre and on-the-job training hub for youths.

This comes as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) launches the start of phase two of the construction of the gas parks.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Simbi Kesiye Wabote, who stated this in Yenagoa recently during a town hall meeting with the host community, confirmed that the 25 megawatts independent power plant being constructed in partnership with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to supply electricity to the park and other dedicated facilities would be completed in July 2019.

He explained that the contract for new phase of Bayelsa NOGAPS was approved by the Federal Executive Council, which underlines President Muhammed Buhari’s commitment to ensure comprehensive development of the Niger Delta region and spur the incubation of manufacturing of oil equipment in-country to generate employment for the youth.

He stated that the main purpose of the town hall meeting was to formally inform stakeholders that the Board has secured Federal Government’s approval to award the contract for the construction of roads and drainage system in furtherance of the development plan of the industrial park.

“The new phase of the project would include the construction of pavements, walkways, parking lots, concrete-lined drainages, service ducts amongst others,” he said.

Wabote lauded the community stakeholders for the success so far recorded in the first phase of the project, saying, “it is due to the support so far received on the sand-filling and fencing works that gives us the confidence to continue to the next phase of the project development.”

He underscored the need for continued support of the stakeholders as the project is meant to bring economic progress and jobs opportunities to their area.

He added: ”I expect utmost cooperation from all as you play your roles and be part of history that will place your community on the map of oil and gas manufacturing activities. Such roles include checkmating any individual or group that wants to derail this wonderful opportunity from coming to fruition in your community.”

The Executive Secretary confirmed that O.K. Isokariari & Sons won the bid for the second phase of the NOGAPS project and canvassed for maximum support for the contractor to enhance timely completion of the project.

He stated that the contract made provision for hiring of a minimum of 80 per cent of all ‘unskilled labour’ from the host and immediate communities for the project execution, a minimum of 50 percent of the semi-skilled and 20 percent of the skilled labour requirements, except where there is no response from the communities to such advertised positions.

The NCDMB boss also indicated that community suppliers would participate in the supply of sand, granite, water, fuel, and other construction supplies to be determined by the contractor and they would be subjected to the quality required and fair market price.

He charged the contractor to ensure safety and security at the site and promote cordial and harmonious relationship with the communities.

The firm is also expected to deliver on time, within budget and to the specified quality.

“We have two cardinal objectives in this project. The first is to maximize the participation and employment of persons from the communities in the project. The second is to ensure that the project is successfully completed on schedule,” he said.

Further scopes lined up for the development of the 25 hectares industrial park include the provision of electrical and water utilities, warehouses, manufacturing shop floors, factories, capacity building centre, hostels, administrative block, mini estate, security posts, fire station, and other facilities.

Providing insight on the NOGAPS concept, the Executive Secretary stated that the oil and gas park fits perfectly into the Board’s mantra to domicile and domesticate oil and gas activities in-country.

The Obanobhan 111 of Ogbia Kingdom, King Dumaro Charles-Owaba suggested the setting up of a monitoring committee to be composed of representatives NCDMB and the community stakeholders, which would liaise with the Board and the contractor as well as provide members of the community updates on the project.

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