Published 14th May 2007
The Ground Breaking ceremony for the Brass LNG Project was performed by President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday, May 14, 2007 in Brass Island, Bayelsa State, at an area within the Project site; adjacent to Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Brass Terminal. The unveiling of a commemorative plaque was also undertaken by the President.
The President observed that the Project was a fulfillment of his administration's commitment at inauguration on May 29, 2007 to bring accelerated development to the Niger Delta Region and to convert natural gas usually flared in the course of production, into products that will bring economic benefit.
The President affirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the Brass LNG Project with the conferment of a free-trade-zone status noting that it will not only provide impetus for major investment but also encourage industrialists to benefit from a favorable investment climate.
According to him: "We consider Brass LNG a sound project with excellent value propositions – one that is at the centerpiece of our efforts to efficiently monetize Nigeria's gas resources".
He commended the foreign partners in the Project – Total, Eni International and ConocoPhillips - for taking advantage of the investment incentives of his administration. The President also commended the three Brass Island communities of Twon Brass, Okpoama and Ewoama for providing the land for the project and putting aside their differences.
Others who spoke at the event include the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, the Energy Minister, Dr. Edmund Daukoru, the Bayelsa State Governor/Vice-President elect, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. Antonio Panza, Managing Director, ENI-AGIP Nigeria, gave the vote-of-thanks.
Their messages centered on support for the Project and the need to take proactive steps in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan and other commitments aimed at preserving the Environment.
A highlight of the Energy Minister's address was his commendation of Brass LNG for presenting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that has been adjudged a benchmark for the industry. In his words: "For a young organization, I would say this is highly commendable."
Brass LNG is currently working towards a Final Investment Decision. An update on activities is the recent award of the Project Management Contract to Bechtel Corporation of the USA which will jointly manage seven main construction contract packages along with the Company.
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