The implementation of the Ubeta Field Development Project by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities in the nation and stimulate economic growth, as stated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday.
Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, made this announcement during the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) by the project sponsors and their contractors in Abuja.
The Ubeta Field Development Project is currently under progress within Oil Mining Licence (OML) 058, with an anticipated output of 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd). Scheduled to commence production in 2027, the Ubeta Field facility, situated approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is intended to supply gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 Project at Finima, Bonny Island, which is currently undergoing expansion from 22 to 30 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa).
The Executive Secretary’s forecast is based on the Nigerian Content Plan and other agreements signed by the NCDMB with TotalEnergies E&P, emphasizing that these documents are aimed at achieving significant tonnages, manhours, and expenditures retained within the country.
The project will facilitate the utilization of capacity, substantial human capacity development (HCD), Research and Development, as well as opportunities in banking, insurance, legal, and other sectors, he assured.
He mentioned that the approval of the final phases of the Nigerian Content Plan for this project was among the initial tasks he undertook upon assuming office in December 2023.
A key aspect of the Nigerian Content Plan for the Ubeta Field Development facility is the localization of “100% of its project management manhours in Nigeria,” as well as “Front End Engineering Design and Detailed Design,” which will be completely localized in Nigeria, with COREN-licensed engineering firms as preferred contractors. Additionally, the project will prioritize local manufacturers with valid Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates from the Board for material procurement, while fabrication and construction will predominantly be managed by established fabrication yards in the country.
Engr. Ogbe, represented by Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, reiterated that the NCDMB has streamlined its processes “to reduce the oil industry’s contracting cycle to six months or less to accelerate the development of new projects, enhance oil production, and bolster the national economy.”
He emphasized that the Board has promptly approved all requests and documents submitted by TotalEnergies E&P, in accordance with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) instituted by the Board in the oil and gas sector. Moreover, the Board has fully complied with Presidential Directives aimed at ensuring cost competitiveness and meeting the project timelines of oil and gas ventures.
He further assured that the NCDMB will continue to serve as a facilitator for the oil and gas industry and encouraged industry stakeholders to collaborate in achieving the objectives outlined for the sector by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Mike Sangster, the Senior Vice President Africa at Total Energies E&P, expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the Ubeta Project, highlighting that it aligns seamlessly with his company’s strategy of developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly projects, which will contribute to increased NLNG exports and bolster the Nigerian economy.
Acknowledging TotalEnergies’ longstanding involvement in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, he revealed that “Ubeta is the most recent addition to a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, including Ikike and Akpo West.”
