FUO And NCDMB Seal Deal On EIA Studies For Nigerian Oil And Gas Park Scheme

Federal University Otuoke has formalized all arrangements with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to conduct an environmental impact assessment for the Nigeria Oil and Gas Park located at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia local government area, Bayelsa State.

A deal was signed by the two parties at a joint meeting organized to discuss the modalities for executing the project at NCDMB office in yenagoa. The General Manager, capacity building of the board, Mr. Oviasu .I.O said the project when completed will build capacity in oil and gas industry.

Oviasu noted that the choice of Federal University Otuoke, to carry out the EIA was based on its strategic position in research on oil and gas.

The GM stated that the industrial park will be provided with basic infrastructure and facilities to support manufacturing activities and allied services.

Under discussion were the scope for EIA work which include; conduct of literature review and secondary Data Acquisition, conduct of socio-economic/health impact Assessment, conduct of soil Analysis (Physical, chemical and Biological) among others.

Other discussions were; registration of the Nigeria oil and gas park project with Federal Ministry of Environment, EIA report for dry season, EIA report for wet season, report on public hearing, submission of Draft EIA report, submission of EIA report as approved and certified by the Federal Ministry of Environment and its payment attachments.


Reacting, the vice chancellor Federal University Otuoke, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko thanked NCDMB for reposing confidence in the University for the award of a multi-million contract.
The VC said the goodwill is part of the healthy relationship existing between the two Federal institutions, even as he promised that FUO will deliver on its technical contribution in realizing the project.

The Team Leader and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bio Nyananyo said the location of the project is strategic to Federal University Otuoke which according to him, when completed will generate employment within and outside Otuoke and also consultancy.

The DVC noted that the contract won by the University will boost the revenue base of the Institution stating that as a self sustaining project FUO has advantage of training and retraining of their staff.

He however expressed optimism that the two Federal Institutions in operation will help to fast track development in Otuoke and its environs.
Team members of the EIA include; Prof Bio Nyananyo, leader, Biodiversity, Prof. Egbon, leader, social economic team, Prof. Charles Nebonebo, leader, Microbiology and Prof. Onyedim, leading water movement study.

Others are Dr. Sepribo Lawson-Jack, representing Engineering, Dr. Ihuoma Adekunle, leader, chemical group, Dr. Ituha, leading air quality assessment group, Dr. Uchenna Nwachukwu, leading the medical group and Mr. Beinyai Solomon, leading the secretarial group.

Federal University Otuoke through FUO company has so far registered the contract with the Ministry of Environment.

The Nigerian oil and gas industry park will be located at Ohurewala/Oboabh bush, Emeyal 1 Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State, it will be built on a size 25 hectares of land.

When completed it will have a maintenance and repair workshop, financial service centre, Utilities based-Power plant, Water supply, Training and Research and Development centre, Clinic, Warehouse and Distribution centre etc.