Local Content: Total MD Hails Ikike Project

The Country Chair and Managing Director, Total E&P, Mike Sangster has described the Ikike Development Project as a major boost to Nigerian Local Content Development drive.
The MD/CEO of Total disclosed this during the first Steel Cutting Ceremony of the Okike Development Project held at Saipem, Rumulumeni, Port Harcourt, recently.
Represented by the Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Port Harcourt District of TEPNG, Guillaume Dulout, the MD/CEO of TEPNG, said the Ikike project was a template project for Total as its successful completion would allow the launch of several other similar developments; “in detailed engineering, procurement and tender processes with ongoing contracts domiciled in Nigeria.”
He said the “ basic and detailed engineering has been successfully executed in Nigeria by NETCO, which continues to provide construction assistance. The construction of Jackets, modules, topsides, and risers in Nigeria yards will boost local employments, with direct and indirect jobs.”
The MD further stated that; “Ikike is a testament of cooperation and working together, though each oil and gas development project has its peculiar challenges , a key success factor is always the willingness of all parties involved to cooperate and address the challenges.”
He commended the management of Saipem, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NAPIMS, Nigeria Content Development Monitoring Board(NCDMB) for their support in the delivery of the project.
In his  remark, the Saipem Project Manager, IKD1,/Giovanni Lattanzia said the first Steel Cutting of the project was symbolic of another major breakthrough in Nigeria Local Content Development,and called on all stakeholders to support the project to achieve it laudable objectives.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Ikike project, Modestus Nwosu, restated the commitment of the project towards, “ safety culture initiatives, best practices,”  and urged all stakeholders to work together to achieve the objectives of the project.
Coming on the heels of the celebrated Egina project, the Ikike development project is considered to be another milestone on the part of Total and Saipem IGPES, in the actualization of the objectives of Nigeria Content development policies in the oil and gas sector.

By: Taneh Beemene & Hilda Okere