The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board said it has acquired a 10.2 hectare of land in Polaku community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State for the construction of a proposed pipe mill.

When completed, the mill will be able to meet the industry pipe demand estimated at over 800,000 tonnes per annum, arising from the projected demand from Gas Mater Plan, replacement of aged pipes and development of new fields.

The site has a shore line for the construction of a jetty, and is close to the Shell Gbaran gas plant and the National Integrated Power Plant being developed by the Federal Government in Gbaran. The land acquisition marked the commencement of the project, as the Board will immediately begin preparations of the site ahead of the detailed investment.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque presentation for the land to the Ezewaribo Family, and transfer of deed to NCDMB at the Board’s Headquarters in Yenagoa, the Executive Secretary, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, thanked the community for being supportive of the project.

He noted that the establishment of the pipe mill was one of the mid-term targets set for the industry by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and would help define the success of the Nigerian Content Act.

Nwapa who was represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB, Mr. Akintunde Adelana, explained that the project’s construction, as well as operations would drive development in the oil and gas industry and provide thousands of training and employment opportunities for members of the community and other Nigerians.

“The pipe mill project will be a major economic activity. It is one of the key industries that has been lacking in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and your community is lucky that it will be established in your vicinity,” he added.

In his response, the leader of the Ezewaribo Family, Chief Martins Aweibo, thanked the Board for attracting the pipe mill project to the community, and expressed the hope that it will help transform the fortunes of the populace. “We want the project to take off immediatley, because, it will benefit my family, Bayelsa State and Nigeria in general,” he stated.

Aweibo also assured the Board and prospective investors that members of the community were peaceful and would not foment any problems for the project.

Officials of the Board confirmed that the formal groundbreaking ceremony of the project will be held soon, as all hands were on deck to kick start the project.