The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Seplat Energy Plc Joint Venture (JV) commissions a fully integrated power system and underground cabling project which it hands over to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), just as Seplat extends its media training and empowerment workshop to 25 journalists in Owerri, Imo State
By Edu Abade
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Seplat Joint Venture (JV) has commissioned and formally handed over a fully integrated Power System and Underground Cabling Project to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industrial Parks Scheme (NOGAPS 1) in Odukpani, Cross River State.
Senior officials from the NNPCL Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) and NCDMB, gathered for the ceremony, which marked the delivery of one of the most advanced power distribution systems built under the NOGAPS initiative.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of SEPNU, Mr. Oladotun Isiaka, who was represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Services, Mrs. Emoh Udobong-Ntia, said the project represents “a story of partnership, progress and shared commitment to sustainably grow the Nigerian hydrocarbon industry.”
He described the system as an advanced, multi-layered infrastructure designed for long-term industrial readiness, saying, “This is not just a single power project. It is an enabling system comprising of multiple project layers including a modern switchgear building, 19 packaged substations, over 27 kilometres of medium-voltage cabling, SCADA-enabled smart power systems and synchronized backup generators, to guarantee uninterrupted operations.”
He further emphasized that the success of the project demonstrates the NNPCL/Seplat JV’s commitment to building local capacity, enhancing infrastructure reliability and empowering indigenous participation across Nigeria’s hydrocarbon value chain.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Board’s Manager, Properties, Mr. Taridouye Gagariga, delivered the keynote address at the event. He emphasized the strategic importance of power infrastructure and thanked SEPNU for the driving the project by introducing power to NOGAPS- “Power drives an economy and we thank Seplat Energy for commissioning power to the park.”
He stated that the vision of NCDMB is “to create an enabling environment for growth which the NOGAPS visualizes.”
On the future of the initiative, he added: “This is not the end but just the beginning of more Joint Venture in achieving the vision the NCDMB has for the oil and gas park.”
He subsequently led the ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling ceremony.
Also speaking, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotuwa, said the industrial park will create significant opportunities for local empowerment and development and help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported industrial components. He remarked that the underground power installation “brings the park closer to global standards,” adding, “In this industry excellence is not optional and SEPNU’s work reinforces what partnership should look like.”
With today’s commissioning and handover, NOGAPS Odukpani moves closer to becoming a fully functional industrial hub-energizing local participation, attracting investment and reinforcing Nigeria’s competitive position in the oil and gas value chain.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at creating purpose-built industrial parks across the country to support in-country manufacturing for the oil and gas sector. The scheme promotes local capacity development, encourages technology transfer, and fosters sustainable industrial growth.
Meanwhile, Seplat Energy Plc, continued its tradition of empowering the media with knowledge and tools for professional growth through a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The training, which brought together 25 journalists from both the print and electronic media across the state was aimed at achieving an intensive learning experience designed to enhance communication, writing and digital storytelling skills.
In his opening remarks on behalf of the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe; the Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing media partnerships that promote transparency, accountability and national development, stressing that Seplat Energy’s role in supporting journalists to adapt to the fast-evolving digital and technological landscape.
“We consider excellence as cardinal in everything we do. The critical role of the media in shaping narratives and culture makes it very important to embed global best practice in its delivery. This is what we need to drive development in Nigeria, and Seplat Energy is well aligned on this,” Opara said.
The Base Manager, Eastern Assets, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, encouraged journalists to make the most of the training and capacity-building opportunity, advising them to remain spontaneous, adaptable, and open to exploring career prospects that leverage their transferable skills.
The workshop featured insightful sessions by Dr. Solomon Avbioroko, who explored the psychology of communication, professional interaction, and the importance of self-awareness in journalism. Participants engaged in interactive exercises and assessments that deepened their understanding of effective storytelling and newsroom productivity.
A Media expert Mr. Nnamdi Uwaegbulem facilitated practical modules on report writing and mobile video journalism (MOJO), introducing participants to the art of creating impactful stories using smart phones, from framing and lighting to mobile editing. His second session, Media Transformation and Emerging Opportunities, examined how digital disruption is reshaping the industry and opened participants’ eyes to new opportunities in media entrepreneurship and content creation.
Another facilitator, Mr. Abiola Adedeji, guided participants through Understanding Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy, highlighting how data-driven storytelling and analytics can amplify journalistic impact across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Participants described the experience as both practical and transformative, commending Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in human capital development. The company’s initiative once again underscores its belief that skilled and informed media remains critical to driving sustainable national development and shaping positive public discourse.
