The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially awarded Julius Berger Nigeria PLC the long-awaited Oil and Gas Museum and Research Centre construction in Otuabagi, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State.
The handover showed that all preparations and agreements with key stakeholders had been completed, allowing construction work to begin at the historic site where Nigeria’s oil production first started in 1957.
At the event, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the multi-billion-naira project would put Otuabagi on the global map, adding that the aim is to celebrate Nigeria’s oil and gas history just like similar projects in places like Pennsylvania in the U.S.
Represented by the director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Ogbe stated that a special team has been set up to manage the project and ensure it is completed on time and to a high standard. “A solid management structure has also been put in place to ensure the community is fully involved and benefits from the project,” he added.
Ogbe praised the Otuabagi community, especially the Stakeholder Committee led by the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke, Professor Teddy Adias, for peacefully and maturely resolving earlier disagreements over the project site.
The Bayelsa State governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Dr. Peter Akpe, thanked all partners for their commitment to making the project a reality.
Julius Berger is now expected to begin construction on the 55-hectare site. The project is supported by PTDF (40%), NCDMB (30%), Renaissance Africa Energy Limited (20%), and the Bayelsa Government (10%). It will feature advanced museum facilities, historic oil displays, and digital tools for education and tourism.
