The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr Simbi Wabote, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony of a N7bn pipe manufacturing plant at Polaku, Bayelsa State.
The plant would manufacture Glass Reinforced Epoxy and Glass Reinforced Plastic pipes with an estimated investment outlay of about N7bn.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary commended the Management of AS Energies Limited and its subsidiary, African Star Manufacturing Services Ltd, on the successful take-off of the construction work on the pipe manufacturing plant.
He noted that the project was in line with the mission statement of NCDMB: “To promote the development and utilization of in-country capacities for the industrialization of Nigeria through the effective implementation of the Nigerian Content Act”.
The construction activity was described 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.
According to Wabote, the pipe manufacturing plant is a testament to the giant strides in local content drive in the country.
He also assured AS Energies Ltd that the NCDMB would give due consideration to its request for support.
He equally enjoined the company’s management to explore available financing options to ensure that the project would be delivered on schedule.
In a 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 US$8.8 million project was deliberate, as the company sought to be a development partner in the area.
He expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Bayelsa State Government, NCDMB management, and the host community as his company initiated plans to achieve its goals.
