Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has taken over the construction work on the long-awaited Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre project in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The stakeholders of the project, through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, formally did the handing over, according to a statement.
It was noted that the development, which signalled the completion of all preparatory formalities and the alignment of key stakeholders, paved the way for the unhindered commencement of construction work at the historic site where oil production began in Nigeria in 1957.
At the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the execution of the landmark project, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB and Project Lead, Felix Ogbe, described the multi-billion-naira initiative, which comprises a world-class oil and gas museum and a research testing centre, as a fulfilment of the promoters’ vision to place the Otuabagi community, home to Oloibiri Oil Well 1, on the global map.
He said, “It is an international tradition to immortalise the origins of oil and gas industries by establishing socioeconomically significant projects in such locations while stressing that Nigeria should not be an exception, even as he highlighted global examples such as Pennsylvania in the United States, which is renowned for its oil heritage sites, including museums, research centres, and tourist attractions.”
Ogbe, who was represented at the event by the NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, told the community that history was in the making, adding that a dedicated project management team had been constituted to ensure compliance with timelines and quality standards.
He also revealed that a comprehensive governance structure has been established for the museum centre to ensure efficient management, with provisions to give the community a strong sense of ownership.
The executive secretary commended the Otuabagi community, particularly its Stakeholder Committee led by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, Professor Teddy Adias, for the maturity and cooperation demonstrated in resolving earlier disputes regarding the project location.
Ogbe noted that the handover ceremony marked a transition from planning to execution. Following the formal handover of the site to Julius Berger, the company is set to mobilise to the 55.05-hectare site to commence construction.
Speaking on behalf of Julius Berger, the Deputy Regional Manager (South and East), Rimon Marisho, expressed the company’s appreciation to the NCDMB, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Otuabagi community for their roles in moving the project to the execution phase, describing the event as a perfect beginning even as he vowed the company’s dedication to the development of the area.
“On behalf of Julius Berger, we want to appreciate all the stakeholders who moved in to make sure that we are now at the execution stage of this historic project. We see it as a perfect beginning, and in the usual Julius Berger commitment to excellence, we will deliver according to specifications,” Marisho said.
The project is being jointly promoted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, and the Bayelsa State Government, with a funding contribution ratio of 40:30:20:10, respectively.
Key features of the project include an oil and gas museum showcasing geological formations, early drilling equipment, and technological milestones in Nigeria’s oil and gas journey. The museum will also feature interactive displays and digital engagement tools for professionals, students, tourists and researchers.
