After almost 3 years of providing uninterrupted power supply to its 17-storey state-of-the-art complex as the Bayelsa State Government House, the management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is set to raise the stakes in its pace-setting venture by upgrading from the 10 Megawatt installed capacity of its power plant in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital to 20 Megawatt.
Explaining the reasons behind the upgrade during a tour of the Board’s facilities in South-South Nigeria and Bayelsa State in particular by members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), General Manager, Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination Division at NCDMB, Engr Ginah O. Ginah, said the idea was part of the agency’s expansion strategy.
Ginah said, “With the currently generated 10 Megawatt, the plant is servicing our head office, the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa and Bayelsa State Government House 24/7.
“But with the ongoing double upgrade, we are ready to power mega estates in Yenagoa, who are willing to take electricity from us. Besides, the capacity upgrade will supply power to the almost completed National Oil and Gas Park Scheme at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government of the state, noting that Bayelsa is blessed with huge gas deposits.
Engr. Ginah, who revealed that the Power Plant is operating on gas, averred that the idea to double the capacity was conceived as part of the NCDMB’s general development plan to grow local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The NCDMB power plant alongside the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) were commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 14, 2020. It was conceived to supply uninterrupted electricity to the NCT and the Oil and Gas Park being developed by the Board at Emeyal 1, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Earlier In 2020, the NCDMB, in a bid to maximize the utilisation of the electricity generated by the plant, entered into an agreement with the Bayelsa State Government to supply uninterrupted electricity to key facilities of the state which would be paid for as specified in the PPA.
The Executive Secretary said at the signing ceremony that the terms of the Power Purchase Agreement would ensure that the plant would operate on a sustainable basis with settlement of obligations to the gas suppliers, operation and maintenance contractors, purchase of spare parts and consumables required for timely maintenance.
According to him, “the power supply is not free as all users including NCDMB are expected to make pre-payment deposits for their power requirements just as required by our gas suppliers. We were required to make up to six months’ deposit with the Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria before we got gas supply to the power plant. We believe there will be no default from any party that will trigger unpleasant outcomes in the sustainability of the power plant operations.”
The NCDMB boss added that the its success in providing uninterrupted power supply would provide an inspiration to all Bayelsans that it is possible to provide reliable power to the entire state considering the abundant gas resources available in its domain.
