The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has reiterated the Board’s commitment to supporting local service companies in the oil and gas industry, ensuring that they are given opportunities for growth and job creation. Engr. Ogbe made the pledge during a visit to the facilities of Brightwaters Energy Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, accompanied by senior officials from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Ogbe emphasized the NCDMB’s determination to enhance local content by ensuring that the capabilities of Nigerian oil and gas service companies are recognized and fully utilized by operating companies in the industry. This initiative, he explained, aligns with the economic goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which focuses on boosting employment and expanding opportunities for local businesses.
The NCDMB Executive Secretary commended Brightwaters Energy for its impressive track record in executing projects within the exploration and production segment of the industry. Notably, the company has worked with major operators such as SPDC and Chevron Nigeria Limited. Ogbe expressed confidence that Brightwaters has the capacity to handle key scopes in upcoming industry projects and urged other oil and gas companies to support qualified local service providers, ensuring that the highest quality services are consistently delivered on time.
“This visit is to assess the company’s technical capabilities and the upgrades they have made to position themselves for future industry projects,” Ogbe stated.
During the visit, the Community and Corporate Affairs Manager of Brightwaters, Mr. Solomon Aluge, highlighted the company’s ongoing projects, including pipeline engineering and installation works for major clients such as Chevron and Tulcan. He confirmed that Brightwaters is well-equipped to carry out both heavy and light fabrication works, positioning them for involvement in upcoming projects in the sector.
Brightwaters Energy’s CEO, Mr. Scott Gregory, welcomed the NCDMB Executive Secretary and SPDC representatives, proudly showcasing the company’s extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He provided detailed technical information about various successful projects executed by the company, both offshore and onshore. Gregory assured the visitors that the company’s facilities were fully equipped to handle complex industry projects, including the use of specialized equipment like the Sea Horizon Derrick Lay Barge, a multipurpose offshore construction vessel capable of heavy-lift operations.
Noticeably, the tour also featured a demonstration of the company’s blast furnace, which is used for smelting, highlighting the advanced technical capabilities Brightwaters Energy has developed over the years.
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In response to the facility tour, Mr. Lanre Olawuyi, the General Manager of Local Content at Shell, expressed his company’s positive impressions of Brightwaters’ facilities and technical capabilities. He noted that Shell’s technical teams would review the findings of the visit to assess how they could engage the company in future projects. Olawuyi also acknowledged the progress made by Brightwaters since Shell’s last visit in May 2024, and expressed hope that the company’s upgraded facilities would attract more business and restore its standing in the industry.
It is worth noting that the visit underscored the NCDMB’s ongoing efforts to foster a robust and competitive local oil and gas industry by empowering Nigerian companies. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration between local businesses and international oil companies to ensure sustainable development and job creation in the sector.
