By Kenneth Ehigiator

The introduction of the local content policy by the Federal Government has begun to yield fruit as an indigenous firm, BK tubular, has completed a 90,000 tonnes pipe threading plant at the free Zone, Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 

 Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Coopration,  NNPC, Mr Austen Oniwon, said at the weekend, that private participation in the local content will totally eliminate the need to source expartise overseas in key areas of oil exploration.

Speaking at Onne Free Zone, Port Harcourt, Oniwon said the commencement of the production of pipe threading plant will help rejuvinate the oil industry as well as create a hub for Nigeria in energy service delivery in Africa.

He described the pipe threading as novel and a direct off-shoot of the “Nigerian content division of the NNPC,  which was set up to build in-country capacity and capability, as well as a competitive supply and service sector,”  adding “with this BK Tubulars plant, more threading of plain end pipes can now be undertaken in Nigeria.”