From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the construction of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC) in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by 2028.
Speaking during an inspection of the site, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and commended the project contractor, Julius Berger.
He described the facility as a national asset designed to preserve the historical records of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, while drawing visitors globally.
The minister recalled that the project had remained on the drawing board for decades before the All Progressives Congress-led administration took concrete steps to actualise it.“I am very happy to see what is going on here. This is a masterpiece; the main building alone spans over 10,000 square metres,” Lokpobiri said.
He noted that the facility would offer domestic and international visitors deep insight into the origins, evolution, challenges, and prospects of Nigeria’s energy industry.
The minister stated that the centre would address the national shortage of large-scale industry venues by serving as a hub for exhibitions, conferences, and retreats.
He disclosed that about ₦70billion had been paid for the first phase. He assured stakeholders of sustained funding.
Reafirming their commitment, Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Botha de Bruyn, stated that the company remains resolute in delivering the landmark project according to approved designs, specifications, and schedules.
He emphasised that the firm understands the historical weight of preserving Nigeria’s energy story.
Similarly, OMRC Project Director, Ladipo Lewis, noted that the museum honours Oloibiri as the birthplace of Nigeria’s commercial oil exploration, capturing developments across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
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