Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has commended ESSO Nigeria for commencing construction of a $23 million permanent shorebase facility at the LADOL Deep Offshore Logistics Base, describing the project as a major boost to Nigeria’s oil and gas logistics capacity.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Lagos, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omashola Ogbe, said the development reinforces Nigeria’s growing status as a global hub for offshore logistics.
“Today, we’re pleased that Nigeria has an alternative,” he stated, noting that the emergence of LADOL as a credible deep offshore base is helping to address vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
The $23 million facility, being developed by ESSO Nigeria, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, will include an administrative complex, warehouses, and storage infrastructure to support offshore operations.
Ogbe, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Engr. Austin Uzoka, praised LADOL’s consistency and long-term vision.
“Supply chains are at the bedrock of national development,” he said, adding that the Board remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s upstream capacity through partnerships with industry players.
He also urged ESSO to adopt a more flexible funding structure to support project execution.
“I would like to encourage you to pay LADOL more. Make sure that it is front-end-loaded, so they can have money to finish this on time without having to go to the banks and pay high interest rates,” he said.
According to him, delayed payments from operators have become a major challenge for local suppliers, often forcing them to rely on expensive bank financing.
The NCDMB boss drew parallels between the project and other major national investments, saying Nigeria’s supply chain has significantly improved over the past decade.
Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Jagir Baxi, described the project as a milestone in the company’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria.
“This project reflects an important milestone investment by ESSO Nigeria in its 70-year long partnership with the country,” he said.
He added that the facility would enhance Nigeria’s deepwater offshore capabilities while boosting local participation.
“The structures will be constructed predominantly by Nigerian companies, thereby supporting local jobs and development of expertise in engineering, construction and commissioning,” Baxi noted.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the management of LADOL led by Dr. Amy Jadesimi, as well as representatives of the Bank of Industry and other government agencies.
