NCDMB ensures inclusion of host community as Odukpani Oil & Gas Park prepares for operations
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has assured the host community in Odukpani, Cross River, that they are being actively involved as the Nigerian Oil & Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) in the area prepares to commence operations.
Ginah O. Ginah, the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination Division at the NCDMB, provided this assurance during a media tour of the Park on Thursday.
The facilities at the 25-hectare Park are at different stages of completion, and numerous companies have submitted applications to secure spaces there.
To ensure the proper inclusion of the host community, the NCDMB has implemented provisions in accordance with the Community Guideline Content developed by the board.
One of the initiatives includes the supply of clean water from Odukpani Park to the host community.
Furthermore, the host community stands to benefit from employment opportunities, training programs for unskilled and semi-skilled individuals, capacity-building initiatives, and scholarship programs.
The development of the Odukpani Park, as well as another park in Bayelsa, is a collaborative effort with key International Oil Companies (IOCs) and is geared towards achieving full industrialization.
These parks will support the local manufacturing of equipment components used in the oil and gas industry.
In order to incentivize companies to establish operations within the Park, the federal government recently approved a $50 million fund for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) product manufacturing line.
Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure seamless operations through the provision of adequate security, consisting of a combined team of mobile policemen and local security personnel.
Regarding the facilities at the Park, the Site Engineer stated that the Administrative block, which includes a banking hall, restaurant, and sick bay, has been completed.
The capacity building block, featuring an auditorium for 200 people and six classrooms for training purposes, is also fully ready.
Other facilities include a state-of-the-art Information Technology Centre (ICT), hostels, a water treatment building, a recreation area, a helipad, a maintenance building, a fire service station, a security gatehouse, and mini-parks.
The NCDMB is actively working to develop oil and gas Parks in Oguta (Imo State), Onne (Akwa Ibom State), Ilaje (Ondo State), and Delta State.
