Nigeria LNG announces October FID for $7bn Train 7
…15,000 jobs to be created
…Rivers State to get direct supply of cooking gas
…Governor Wike proposes to dredge Iwofe waterway
Tony Attah, the managing director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has announced the kick-off Train 7 of the company as the Final Investment Decision (FID) of the multi-billion-dollar gas liquefaction company would be taken in October this year.
“The NLNG is set to kick off the Train 7 of the company, where the company is expected to spend between $6 billion and $7 billion USD by way of investment,” Attah said in Port Harcourt, while briefing Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, when he led a management team of the company on a courtesy visit.
He informed that the project would create between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs for the people of the state; adding that “it will build the skills and capacity of the people.
Attah also informed that the NLNG has worked out the modalities to ensure that cooking gas is delivered directly to Rivers State, instead of being routed through Lagos.
He therefore appealed to Governor Wike to assist in realising the project by dredging the Iwofe waterway. To this, the governor announced his tacit support and action; while commending the gas liquefaction company for such effort that would enhance the state’s economy.
He commended Governor Wike for promoting security in the state, which he said has created the right environment for investment; especially enabling the NLNG to move on with its Train 7 project, which he described as a game changer.
He briefed Governor Wike on the investments in community health insurance scheme, power supply to Bonny and the eradication of malaria programme in Bonny.
Recall that NLNG in 2015 relocated its headquarters to Port Harcourt, where it is currently building a multi-billion-naira complex that would house all its administrative services.
“On the project initiated by the NLNG to supply cooking gas directly to Rivers State, instead of passing through Lagos, the Rivers State Government will dredge the Iwofe waterway for that purpose. I will only support companies that mean well for the people of Rivers State. My business is to do good for our people, so that their lives can improve,” said Governor Wike.
He assured of the state government’s complete support of the Train 7 project of the NLNG Limited because of its potential to create about 15,000 jobs; and enhance the economy of the state.
“It is key to the growth (and) development of Rivers State. We are glad that it will soon take off. I am happy with the quantum of jobs that the Train 7 will create in the State,” the Rivers governor said.
He however asked for skilled jobs for Rivers citizens, instead of ‘cleaners and unskilled workers.’ “I want the NLNG to ensure that qualified Rivers people are employed when the Train 7 comes on stream,” he stated.
He also commended the management of the NLNG for initiating a Community Health Insurance scheme for Bonny Island, as well as a malaria control initiative; saying that the state government would partner with the company to achieve the objectives of the programme.
Wike called on other companies to emulate what the NLNG is doing in Rivers State. “I commend the NLNG,” he said.