…Calls for more investment in oil and gas sector

By Jimitota Onoyume

President Bola Tinubu yesterday performed the ground breaking of the Southfield Petroleum Limited , SPL Utorogu (200 million standard cubic feet per day ) gas processing plant in Ughelli south local government area , Delta state with an appeal for more indigenous companies to take advantage of the abundant oil and gas resources in the country to invest in the sector.

The president who was represented by his Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources ( Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the one for Gas, Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo , said the government would continue to support the growth of indigenous companies.

Flagged by chiefs , the monarch of the area, Okobaro of Ughievwen ,His Majesty Igbi II and other leaders of the community during the ceremonial ground breaking , Lokpobiri, said a thriving energy sector was key to development of the nation’s economy, urging the local stakeholders to encourage timely completion of the project.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources – Gas who spoke through Engr Raphael Chindah, said the project when completed will stimulate significant capital inflow, create direct and indirect employment opportunities in the country . He further lauded the management of the SPL for the investment , the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ,NCDMB and other key stakeholders for driving the local content initiative of the government .

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his Commissioner for Oil and Gas , Ovie Jitobor, assured that the state government would encourage the necessary atmosphere for timely completion of the project .

“Let me assure the NCDMB and the management of the SPL Utorogu that the state government will encourage the necessary atmosphere for the timely completion of the project. I also charge the communities to support the processes”, he said.

Chairman of the groundbreaking ceremony, Patrick Ndiomu ,in his address said the project when completed will deliver liquified Petroleum gas, LPG to deepen domestic cooking gas penetration, auto gas and condensate for transportation , industrial utilisation and export values , also support power generation and industrial growth.

The Managing Director SPL Utorogu limited Engr Aigbomeikhe Bawa Pius said among others the project would enhance gas availability in the country.

Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbe, in his remarks said the project marked another milestone in the boards drive to deepen the Nigerian Content vision , adding that it showed the gains of strategic collaboration.