Yemisi Izuora
The completion of the SONAM Non-Associated Gas Well Platform Production Topside Module by Niger Dock Plc has raised hope for improved power supply and by extension support government effort to reduce gas flaring.
The exercise was part of the Domestic Supply Obligation(DSO)-MEREN Gas Gathering Compression Platform and SONAM NOn-Associated Gas Wellhead Platform sponsored by Chevron and NNPC.
Speaking at the load-out of the Topside ceremony in Lagos at the weekend Chairman of Nigerdock and the Jagal Grroup,Mr Anwar Jamarkani,said a total of 3,268,537 manhours were expended on the project which has an overall tonnage of 3,500 tonnes.
He said:”All of these structures are required to deliver a combined cubic feet per day of natural gas to Chevron’s Excravos Gas Project which provides feedstock for power generation,a major demand for Nigeria’s power sector”
He also said the project will significantly eliminate gas flaring from the project sponsor’s assets in fulfillment of government’s gas flaring policy.
According to him,the project will further attract gas investment opportunities thereby boosting present administration’s effort to diversify the economy from crude oil proceeds.
He said:”We are truly humbled to play a part in such a landmark achievements which will no doubt have a transformative effect on our country.
However,we believe we can do much more and raise the bar.Nigerdock is prepared to take on even more ambitious projects and we commit not to rest on our laurels but to ensure that Nigerians have something to be proud of”.
Also, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited,Clay Neff,said the project will enable the delivery of close to 300millions standard cubic feet of gas to Escravos Gas Plant,which will enable delivery of additional gas to the domestic market.
This,he said,will in turn help to significantly boost the nation’s economy.
He said:”Today’s ceremony signifies a major milestone since it marks the end of the fabrication phase and the start of the next phase of the project that is focused on the offshore installation of the fabricated parts.
“In addition to the impressive safety record,the Sonam NAG Well Platform projects,has and is still contributing immensely to the development and sustenance of Nigerian content”.
Also speaking,Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development Board,commended the project,saying it is a laudable one.
He said his agency would continually promote local content to the letter and wield the big sticks on companies that flout implementation of the law in Nigeria.