By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Federal Government has assured local manufacturers and other stakeholders of adequate support in the oil and gas sector.
Noting that Nigeria is no longer a dumping ground for foreign countries, the FG said it will not allow waivers for companies that are not ready to add value to the country.
The Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri made the disclosures on Thursday, during the commissioning of Monarch Alloy Limited Oil and Gas Pipe Coating Facility in Lagos.
Lopobiri said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is ready to create value and create jobs in the oil and gas sector, adding that the government will maintain the integrity of the pipelines.
He said, “The Federal Government is not leaving any stone unturned. We will support stakeholders’ efforts in oil and gas sector, and we will create value and job opportunities for the Nigerian youth wherever they are in this country.”
Also speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said the Lagos State government will continue to create enabling environment for business owners across the state.
“With this great initiative, the oil and gas sector is breaking new ground and I want to assure business owners that Lagos State is ready to drive any initiative that would trigger growth and development across the state”, Hundeyin said.
In his remarks, Managing Director, Atul Chaudhary said the commissioning of the new facility is a landmark achievement, saying the company has expanded considerably, to evolve into one of the leading steel producers in the country.
“This is our first major step in the oil and gas sector and we are ready to explore the sector diligently.
“Our plant is equipped with 3LPE and concrete weight coating facilities. We can handle pipes ranging from 4 inches to 64 inches in diameter, with an impressive annual coating capacity of 2 million square meters.
“We are capable of coating up to 500 pipes per day—of 4-inch diameter—if operated continuously. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are ready to diligently make this possible”, he said.
Other guests that were present at the commissioning include: the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, his predecessor and former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Ayangbunren of Ikorodu and Oba Kabiru Shotobi, among others.
