L-R: Eyono Fatayi-Williams, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development, NLNG; Tony Attah, NLNG MD/CEO; and Sophia Horsfall, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, NLNG during a visit to Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Governor of Rivers State.
-Olufunke Afolami
The Managing Director of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Tony Attah, appreciated the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for the tremendous efforts of the state government in fighting the onslaught of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State.
In his words, “It has involved saving lives, keeping essential services available and ensuring that hope is kept alive.”
Attah also commended Governor Wike on action taken to contain the outbreak on Bonny Island. “It is clear that in these extra-ordinary times, a collective resolve to collaborate, solve problems and make sacrifices is warranted. May I state, unequivocally, our readiness to partner with your government as it deals with the enormous responsibility of preserving lives and ultimately livelihoods in Rivers State, including the Bonny Kingdom.”
Company Palliatives in Bonny Island
The NLNG boss shared the company’s interventions against the spread of Coronavirus in Bonny since the outset of the pandemic in the country.
He was of the view that NLNG triggered critical preventive measures in its operations and promptly initiated engagements with relevant state and local government authorities.
The objective was to proactively identify urgent intervention programmes to ensure the safety of all lives on Bonny Island.
The outcome of these engagements brought NLNG to the forefront of implementing interventions in the Kingdom and included:
Food palliatives for the community to alleviate hardship in the midst of restrictions on movement and business activities, establishment of a well-equipped ten-bed Holding Centre for Covid-19 patients at the Bonny Zonal Hospital to accommodate a potential outbreak and need for isolation. This facility is presently being upgraded to a Treatment Centre on the advice of Rivers State Government.
The company made sundry donations of medical equipment and PPEs to Bonny Zonal Hospital including strategic and tactical support to Bonny Local Government Council on enlightenment and risk communication against Covid-19 in the Kingdom.
Attah added that donation of vehicles and sundry medical equipment was also made to Rivers State as well as a pledge of US$1Million to support Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in the fight against Covid-19.
He stated thus, “We acknowledge that our interventions will not solve all the problems of this public health crisis. However, it signifies Nigeria LNG’s determination to support the State and in particular, the people of Bonny Kingdom.”
Government Mandate to Support/Joint Effort
NLNG being the host in Bonny Island, Attah said, it is apparent that more needs be provided. “Bonny Island as one of the most unique energy corridors in the world, must be spared the ravages of the crisis. Its people are too precious; its strategic importance to Nigeria, indisputable.”
Attah made it known that as long as COVID-19 Pandemic remains pervasive in Nigeria, there will continue to be need for additional medical supplies, equipment, personnel, catering, training, contact tracing and more.
The NLNG MD, said, “The financial effort will be significant but with due collaboration between government and private enterprise, much more can be achieved in the containment drive as no private enterprise can do it alone. Similarly, the associated logistic support for the intervention, such as periodic movement of drugs and personnel from the mainland, will be essential but we are assured that all enablers will be provided by government as required.”
Previous Health Initiatives
Attah stated further that NLNG had commenced plans to strengthen health care delivery in Bonny Kingdom and the entire state.
The Gas Company’s Plans includes:
The Bonny Comprehensive Health Insurance Programme: This is to bring health care to the reach of those who cannot ordinarily afford it. The scheme has over 1400 subscribers.
Bonny Malaria Elimination Programme, which currently in its pre-elimination phase, and which will afford Bonny the status of the first Malaria/mosquito free city in Nigeria, if not in West Africa.
Attah told Governor Wike that the company remains resolved in its belief that Coronavirus will be defeated in Nigeria.
The NLNG MD said, the aspiration of the company, “Is that Bonny will not only overcome but will truly flourish. It will be healthy, peaceful and continue to enjoy economic prosperity. Its success will be emblematic of the life-long partnerships we all share with this great Kingdom.”
The Signing of T7 EPC – Contract
Attah revealed that as a testament to its proactive and effective operational strategy in order to survive challenges brought by the pandemic, NLNG, on the 13th of May, 2020, signed and awarded the Contract for Train 7 Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).
This was an epic accomplishment for NLNG and for Rivers State, as the project will continue to drive the economy of the people of Bonny and the state in general.
Benefits of Train 7
Train 7 gives avenue for employment and income opportunities including construction personnel and Labour.
Attah disclosed that at peak of construction, over 12,000 jobs will be available on Bonny Island for Rivers State indigenes and other Nigerians.
Contracts, Fabrications and Supplies
Several companies and businesses situated in Rivers State such as fabrication yards, construction companies, equipment suppliers among others, will be engaged and generate significant returns for respective tax authorities.
On small scale businesses, Train 7’s multiplier effect will stimulate individual purchases in shops and markets and for other services; greatly impacting the small-scale businesses and the economy of Rivers State.
Specific Nigerian Content Regulation impacts trainings.
Attah opined that human capacity development targets are being agreed with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to ensure Nigerians benefit from on-the job training and personnel re-training events
On Research and Development, Attah disclosed that the University of Port Harcourt has been selected as a Centre of LNG Excellence where students will receive the required training on LNG production technologies as monitored by NCDMB.
The company is currently developing modalities to progress work on Train 7 in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Its construction is being phased to ensure a safe mobilization to site.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
As a company that is concerned with the progress of its host communities, Attah gave an update of NLNG CSR project to Governor Wike.
At first, the Bonny Bodo Road, a 38km stretch of road with 3 major bridges (Afa, Opobo and Nanabie) and 10 mini bridges. NLNG presently funds 50% of this endeavour.
The COVID-19 situation has impacted work progress, resulting in main construction sites in Bodo and Bonny remaining closed since March 2020. However, dredging and bush clearing works, requiring minimal physical contact to continue.
Attah explained further that the project has been identified as one of the critical Federal Government infrastructure projects. Plans are on for the contractor to resume works fully at Bodo and Bonny sites under a revised COVID-19 Protocol, ensuring safety of personnel and continued sources of livelihood to the youths from these communities.
Commissioning of Corporate Head Office
Emphasizing on the commissioning of NLNG Head office, Attah told Governor Wike that Covid-19 has caused delay of the formal commissioning of the company’s new Corporate Head Office in Port Harcourt. “Our plan had been to host the event early this year. We shall hold the commissioning of this impressive edifice as soon as practically possible.”
The NLNG MD expressed gratitude to the governor for supporting the activities of the company while requesting movements of its essential personnel to its operations at Bonny plant complex.
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