NCDMB rallies NNPC, oil producers to ramp up local manufacturing of line pipes

According to a Press Release issued on Saturday by the board, the move is aimed at deepening local content, conserving foreign exchange, and creating jobs in the oil and gas industry.

The call was made at a stakeholders’ workshop held at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, which had in attendance, industry leaders from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), pipe manufacturers, and pipe coaters.

The stakeholders reportedly reviewed the progress made since 2011 and explored ways to enhance local manufacturing.

In his opening remarks, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, described line pipes as a crucial component of oil and gas operations.

Ogbe, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, emphasized that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, mandates 100 percent local manufacturing of line pipes, both seamless and welded.

Ogbe described line pipes as “a major driver in oil and gas industry operations,” adding, “without line pipes you cannot evacuate products.” 

He noted that increasing local production would help cut costs, eliminate middlemen markups, and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“Made-in-Nigeria line pipes are a reputation driver for the NOGICD Act and are central to the attainment of the 70 per cent objective of NCDMB’s [Nigerian Content] 10-Year Strategic Road Map.” 

The statement noted that the workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to address the barriers hindering in-country manufacturing, with a shared goal of positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for line pipe production in Africa.