– NOGICD Act adherence
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has commended Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG over what it describes as “its pivotal role in the economic advancement of the country” as well as adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking when the management team of NLNG, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, paid him a courtesy visit at the weekend, expressed optimism about the company’s Train-7 project.
Tunji-Ojo praised NLNG for exemplifying a thriving public-private partnership and for its strategic investments in local staff development, which has enabled the company to transition from relying on foreign workers to a proudly indigenous management team.
He said, “One key responsibility of the Ministry of Interior is to be an enabler of growth. The business permits, expatriate quota, and all Immigration activities, within the scope of what we are here to do; will enable growth. We don’t want to be a country that will be perpetually dependent on the skills and knowledge of foreigners.
“We want to be a country that will be able to build capacity to the point that we will also be able to export those capacities. Without a proper knowledge transfer mechanism, this becomes impossible. I think you are one of the few companies that have done well in terms of knowledge transfer and understudy. Because understudy is a critical component of the expatriate quota.
“I want to congratulate you for putting Nigeria at the centre of your operations. You are not the only Government company but You have been able to build the capacity of Nigerians. I appreciate your adherence to the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010. We want businesses to grow and also be done in accordance with the law. When rules are constantly violated, anarchy takes charge” he said.
The Minister expressed optimism about the Train-7 project and how it will contribute to economic growth as well as create jobs in the country.
“Your vision for expansion is now. When LNG Train 7 expansion comes on stream, it will boost processing capacity, a lot of jobs will be created, and it will also increase your capacity by more than a third.
“And again, I have always said that Nigeria is an oil-poor country but a gas-rich country. And the wealth of Nigerians lies in developing our gas assets. I believe the assets are there and the market is available, We can only put on our thinking hats by making sure we occupy our space. All over the world liquefied natural gas is in high demand. We believe that we all must support you, to ensure we take advantage of our gas potentials. For me, gas is not just a way out, gas should not only be a transition, it is a destination. It ought to be a transition and destination.
In addition, Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the team of his Ministry’s support at all times.
He appealed to NLNG to consider supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service and National Security and Civil Defence Corps with training and equipment to boost national security.
“We believe in your vision, and that the actualization of your vision is integral to the emancipation of our country. For that reason, take this to the bank, if you need our support here, we will be there for you. Our being here for you, is not only for NLNG, it is being here for Nigerians” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, said he and his management team were on a familiarization visit to thank the Minister for the support gotten and continued to get from his ministry and to further lay the ground for continued relations.
