General News
Oloibiri oil Museum and Research Centre: Excitement as NCDMB Hands Over Oloibiri Museum Site to Julius Berger
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Stakeholders in the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre (OMPRC) project were excited last week as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) formally handed over construction work on the long-awaited Centre in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to top notch engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
The development which signalled the completion of all preparatory formalities and the alignment of key stakeholders, paved the way for unhindered commencement of construction work at the historic site where oil production began in Nigeria in 1957.
At the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the execution of the landmark project, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB and Project Lead, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe described the multi-billion-naira initiative, which comprises a world-class Oil and Gas Museum and a Research Testing Centre as a fulfilment of the promoters’ vision to place the Otuabagi community, home to Oloibiri Oil Well 1, on the global map.
He noted that, it is an international tradition to immortalize the origins of oil and gas industries by establishing socioeconomically significant projects in such locations, while stressing that Nigeria should not be an exception even as he highlighted global examples such as Pennsylvania in the United States, which is renowned for its oil heritage sites including museums research centres, and tourist attractions.
Engr. Ogbe, who was represented at the event by the NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, told the community, history is in the making and that a dedicated project management team had been constituted to ensure compliance with timelines and quality standards. He also revealed that a comprehensive governance structure has been established for the museum centre to ensure efficient management, with provisions to give the community a strong sense of ownership
The Executive Secretary commended the Otuabagi community, particularly its Stakeholder Committee led by the Vice Chancellor of The Federal University, Otuoke, Professor Teddy Adias, for the maturity and cooperation demonstrated in resolving earlier disputes regarding the project location.
Saying that the handover ceremony marked a transition from planning to execution, representative of Bayelsa state Governor and Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, thanked other project promoters and the community’s Stakeholder Committee for their unwavering commitment to the project.
Following the formal handover of the site to Julius Berger, the company is set to mobilise to the 55.05-hectare site to commence construction.
Speaking on behalf of Julius Berger, Deputy Regional Manager (South and East), Mr. Rimon Marisho, expressed the company’s appreciation to the NCDMB, the Bayelsa State government, and the Otuabagi community for their roles in moving the project to the execution phase, describing the event as a perfect beginning even as he vowed the company’s dedication to the development of the area.
On behalf of Julius Berger, we want to appreciate all the stakeholders that moved in to make sure that we are now at the execution stage of this historic project. We see it as a perfect beginning; and in the usual Julius Berger commitment to excellence, we will deliver according to specifications, Marisho said.
In their respective goodwill messages, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri respectively pledged maximum support and assured stakeholders of a peaceful and secure environment for the project.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Professor Adias, Chairman of the Community Stakeholder Committee, expressed gratitude to the NCDMB, PTDF, Shell (now Renaissance Africa Energy Limited), and the Bayelsa State Government for their sustained efforts to realize a project first conceived in 1981 during the administration of former President Shehu Shagari. He described the handover to Julius Berger as a momentous occasion in the history of the Otuabagi community, which has long awaited recognition and development as the birthplace of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The project is being jointly promoted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, and the Bayelsa State Government, with a funding contribution ratio of 40:30:20:10, respectively. Key features of the project include a state-of-the-art oil and gas museum showcasing geological formations, early drilling equipment, and technological milestones in Nigeria’s oil and gas journey. The museum will also feature interactive displays and digital engagement tools for professionals, students, tourists and researchers.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and sunshine from Monday until Wednesday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, envisaged moderate dust haze over parts of Kebbi and Kano States of the northern region on Monday.
It predicted horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the region with the rest of the northern States to be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For central region, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger states, while the rest of the states in the region should be under sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
”For southern region, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the region with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States,” it said.
According to NiMet, a slight dust haze is anticipated over parts of Kano and Kebbi States of the northern region on Tuesday, while the remaining states in the region are expected to have sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.
The agency envisaged sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period with chances of isolated thundery activity over parts of plateau state during the afternoon and evening hours.
It anticipated sunny skies with patches of cloud over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
NiMet forecasts sunny and hazy skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Wednesday.
The agency predicted sunny and hazy skies over the central region throughout the forecast period.
According to NiMet, sunny skies with a few patches of cloud are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
”Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precaution; People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.
”Driving under the rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said
The agency urged residents to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, and visit its website on www.nimet.gov.ng.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.
It also announced Thursday, January 1, 2026, as a public holiday for the New Year celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr.
Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.According to the statement, the minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security, and national development.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations and wished them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.
“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said. “What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”
Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.
“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”
Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.
“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.
With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”
The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.
Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.
“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”
He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.
Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.
“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.
The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
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