By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commended Brentex Petroleum Services Limited for the significant progress recorded on its $50 million Steel Pipe Induction Bending and Coating Facility at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port, Rivers State, assuring the company of continued support and increased industry patronage when the project becomes operational.
According to a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Division of the NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, the Board described the facility as a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest to deepen local content, expand indigenous manufacturing capacity and strengthen the country’s position as a leading oil and gas services hub in Africa.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, praised Brentex for its bold investment and commitment to developing in-country capacity.
He noted that the project aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act by promoting local value addition, creating employment opportunities and reducing dependence on foreign service providers for specialised pipeline engineering services.
Ogbe said the Board had worked with Brentex for over a decade and expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the facility, describing it as a practical demonstration of the NCDMB’s equipment component manufacturing initiative.
He assured the company of the Board’s continued support, stressing that efforts would be made to encourage operators across the oil and gas industry to patronise the facility.
“We deeply appreciate your investment in Nigeria and will continue to support initiatives that expand local capacity. We will also encourage the industry to take advantage of this facility because it is important that available in-country capabilities are fully utilised,” he said.
The Brentex facility, which has attracted over $26 million in investments so far, is expected to become Africa’s first fully integrated plant for steel pipe induction bending, heat treatment, testing and coating, with the capacity to process steel pipes ranging from two to 48 inches.
Managing Director of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, Mr. Chidi Nzerem, thanked the NCDMB for its consistent support over the past 10 years, describing the inspection visit as a strong vote of confidence in the project.
He disclosed that the facility is expected to commence full operations in the last quarter of 2027 and would create about 200 jobs for engineers and other technical personnel while providing opportunities for skills development, technology transfer and capacity building for Nigerians.
Project Manager, Engr. Patrick Anaje, said the facility would significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported pipe induction bending and coating services, lower project costs, shorten delivery timelines and retain more value within the nation’s economy.
The inspection was attended by senior management officials of NCDMB, executives of Brentex Petroleum Services Limited, industry stakeholders, project consultants, contractors, representatives of the Onne and Ogu host communities, members of the Community Liaison Committee and journalists.
