The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Executive Secretary, Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of a new pipe manufacturing plant at Polaku, Bayelsa State.
The plant, promoted by AS Energies Limited, is expected to manufacture Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipes, with an estimated investment outlay of about N7.04 billion ($8.8 million).
The event held last week and saw Mr. Wabote commending the management of AS Energies Limited and its subsidiary, African Star Manufacturing Services Ltd, for the successful take-off of the construction work on the pipe manufacturing plant. He described the ongoing construction activities as a dream come true for the Polaku community, as plans for a pipe manufacturing mill in the area had been on the drawing board for a decade.
The Polaku community is home to several strategic industries, including the Shell Gas Gathering Plant, Azikel Refinery, the US$45 million Types 3 LPG Composite Cylinder Manufacturing Plant owned by Rungas Prime Industries Limited, and Eraskon Nigeria Limited.
According to Mr. Wabote, the new pipe manufacturing plant is a testament to the giant strides in local content drive in the country.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AS Energies Ltd, Engr. Gbenga Olaniyan, said the choice of Polaku as the site for the $8.8 million project is deliberate, as the company seeks to be a development partner in the area.
He expressed appreciation to the State Government, the NCDMB Management, and the host community for the encouragement they gave his company as it initiated moves toward actualising its plans.
Mr. Olaniyan assured that AS Manufacturing Services Ltd would integrate the community in its operational plans and activities.
He also expressed confidence that the construction phase of the plant would be completed within 12 months, giving way to actual production.
The Managing Director of AS Manufacturing Services Ltd, Mr. Augustine Taribene, described the pipe manufacturing plant as “eco-friendly” and stated that the company has a waste management policy and strategy that would keep the environment free of any form of pollution.
The Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) and Glass Reinforced Plastic pipes to be produced by AS Energies Limited are more resistant, lighter, less corrosive, and more durable than conventional carbon steel pipes in use, meaning reduced maintenance cost.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, expressed pleasure at the physical presence of the company in the community and thanked the NCDMB for facilitating the establishment of major indigenous firms in the State.
The presence of the plant, which is the first of its type in Nigeria, is expected to facilitate technology transfer in pipe manufacturing technology and development of a variety of skills among the local population.
The spokesman for the Polaku community, Chief Kenigua Dinikpite, welcomed the company into their midst, assuring them of peace and the full cooperation of their indigenes.
