By Ali Elias
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has applauded Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) for awarding the fabrication of two Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys to Prime Sources Limited (PSL), a Nigerian company based in Warri, Delta State.
SPMs are floating offshore facilities used for loading liquids and gas. The first locally fabricated SPMs were built in 2006 for the Bonga Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel by Dorman Long Engineering Limited. This latest project further strengthens Nigeria’s capacity in the oil and gas sector.
SPDC awarded the contract to PSL, which is executing the project to global quality standards. The work has been validated by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), an international certification body, and supervised by resident engineers from IMODCO, PSL’s technical partner in France. The buoys are scheduled for installation at the Bonny and Forcados terminals later this year.
During a recent visit to the project site at the Julius Berger Port in Warri, NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe praised SPDC for its commitment to local content. “Awarding such a technically complex scope to a local contractor highlights SPDC’s commitment to local content development,” he said. “I want to especially commend SPDC for believing in the indigenous contractor. I commend the contractor for delivering the project in good time without any injury and the community for their support.”
SPDC’s Director and General Manager, Safety and Environment, Conventional Oil and Gas, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan, emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s economy through local partnerships. “The project reiterates Shell’s commitment to the economic development of Nigeria and improving the capacity of local vendors,” she stated.
SPDC’s Domestic Gas, Forcados Yokri Integrated Project and Terminals Project Manager, Chris Ubuane, noted the significant involvement of Nigerian professionals in the project. “We’re pleased that PSL will deliver the first buoy within a year with a team of over 90% Nigerians performing various tasks, including project management, piping and structural fabrications, scaffolding, welding, fitting, blasting, and painting. SPDC will continue to work with PSL to grow their capability in buoy fabrication and maintenance.”
Expressing gratitude, PSL Managing Director Francis Anyakwo acknowledged SPDC for entrusting the company with the project. “This is a complex project, and we appreciate the opportunity provided by SPDC, as well as the support from NCDMB, which has helped us grow into a major subsea contractor in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he said.
Community leaders also lauded the project’s impact. Secretary of the Ijaw Kingdom Traditional Council, Chief Anthony Jolomi, and representative of the Itsekiri Kingdom, Dr. Omiwere-Ete George Boyo, thanked SPDC for bringing the development to Warri, pledging continued community support to ensure a conducive business environment.
Impact on the Community and Nigeria This project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive for local content development in the oil and gas industry. Beyond strengthening indigenous expertise in complex offshore fabrication, it creates employment opportunities and enhances the technical capacity of Nigerian firms. The successful execution of such projects will position Nigeria as a regional hub for oil and gas fabrication, reduce reliance on foreign contractors, and boost the economy. Furthermore, the collaboration between SPDC, PSL, and local communities underscores the importance of fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta.