Excitement As NCDMB Hands Over Oloibiri Museum Site To Julius Berger

Stakeholders in the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre (OMPRC) project were elated last week as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) officially handed over the construction of the long-awaited centre in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, to the renowned engineering and construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.

This development marked the completion of all preparatory formalities and the alignment of key stakeholders, paving the way for the seamless commencement of construction at the historic site where oil production began in Nigeria in 1957.

During the ceremony— a significant milestone in the project’s execution— the Executive Secretary of NCDMB and Project Lead, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the multi-billion-naira initiative, which includes a world-class Oil and Gas Museum and a Research Testing Centre, as a realisation of the vision to showcase the Otuabagi community, home to Oloibiri Oil Well 1, on the global map.

He emphasised that it is an international tradition to immortalize the origins of the oil and gas industry by establishing socioeconomically significant projects at such historic sites. Nigeria, he noted, should not be an exception.

He highlighted global examples like Pennsylvania in the United States, renowned for its oil heritage sites, museums, research centres, and tourist attractions.

Represented at the event by the NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Engr. Ogbe told the community that history is being made.

A dedicated project management team has been established to ensure compliance with timelines and quality standards.

Additionally, he announced that a comprehensive governance structure has been implemented for the museum, designed to ensure efficient management and foster a strong sense of ownership within the community.

The Executive Secretary commended the Otuabagi community, especially its Stakeholder Committee led by Professor Teddy Adias, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke, for their maturity and cooperation in resolving earlier disputes regarding the project location.

He stated that the handover ceremony marked a transition from planning to execution, and on behalf of the Bayelsa State Governor and Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, he thanked all project promoters and the community’s Stakeholder Committee for their unwavering commitment.

Following the formal handover, Julius Berger is set to mobilise to the 55.05-hectare site to begin construction.

Speaking on behalf of Julius Berger, Deputy Regional Manager (South and East), Mr. Rimon Marisho expressed appreciation to the NCDMB, the Bayelsa State government, and the Otuabagi community for their roles in advancing the project to this stage.

He described the occasion as a perfect beginning and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to the development of the area.

“On behalf of Julius Berger, we want to thank all stakeholders who contributed to bringing us to this execution stage. We see this as a significant milestone, and true to our commitment to excellence, we will deliver according to specifications,” Marisho stated.

In their goodwill messages, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, pledged maximum support and assured stakeholders of a peaceful and secure environment for the project.

In his welcome address, Professor Teddy Adias, Chairman of the Community Stakeholder Committee, expressed gratitude to the NCDMB, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Shell (now Renaissance Africa Energy Limited), and the Bayelsa State Government for their sustained efforts to realise a project first conceived in 1981 during the administration of former President Shehu Shagari.

He described the handover to Julius Berger as a momentous occasion in Otuabagi’s history—a community that has long awaited recognition and development as the birthplace of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The project is a joint effort by PTDF, NCDMB, Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, and the Bayelsa State Government, with funding contributions of 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%, respectively. Key features include a state-of-the-art oil and gas museum displaying geological formations, early drilling equipment, and technological milestones in Nigeria’s oil history.

The museum will feature interactive displays and digital engagement tools designed for professionals, students, tourists, and researchers alike.