By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed plans to commence operations at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) located in Emeyal-1, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in the fourth quarter of 2026.
To support the planned take-off, the Board is making arrangements to install a 2.5-megawatt Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power plant to provide reliable electricity for industrial activities within the park.
The update followed an inspection of the project site by senior NCDMB officials, during which significant progress was recorded in the development of key infrastructure aimed at positioning the facility as a major oil and gas manufacturing hub.
Speaking after the assessment, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, expressed confidence that ongoing construction and supporting works would ensure timely completion and readiness for operations.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme was designed to deepen local content development by providing an enabling environment for the manufacture of components, equipment, and other inputs required in the oil and gas sector. The initiative is also expected to stimulate economic activities and create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs upon full operation.
Providing further update on the project, the Manager, Strategy and Transformation Projects, Mr. Olubisi Okunola, said several key facilities have been completed. These include manufacturing shop floors, a water treatment plant, accommodation facilities, classrooms, an amphitheatre, and residential apartments for trainers, facilitators, and visiting guests.
He added that core power infrastructure, including the switchgear building, transformers, and heavy-duty generators, has also been completed, while work is ongoing toward the installation of the CNG power plant.
To expand manufacturing capacity, the Board has awarded a contract for the sand-filling and reclamation of ponds within the facility. The reclaimed areas will accommodate six additional manufacturing sheds for investors and service providers.
NCDMB noted that landscaping, environmental maintenance, and other routine activities are ongoing to preserve infrastructure and ensure operational readiness ahead of commissioning.
Once operational, the Bayelsa Oil and Gas Park is expected to boost indigenous manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imported oil and gas equipment, create jobs, and strengthen local participation across the sector’s value chain.
The Board reiterated its commitment to delivering the project in line with its mandate of building in-country capacity and advancing Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.
