Lokpobiri’s Supporters Highlight 10 Bayelsa Projects, Initiatives Under His Watch

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

Amid questions over the contributions of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, to the development of Bayelsa State, his supporters have highlighted 10 projects and initiatives they said were initiated, executed or supervised under his watch.

The projects, according to the account, cut across oil and gas infrastructure, industrial development, Nigerian content promotion, power generation, research, tourism and human-capital support.

Among the projects cited is the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme at Emeyal-1 in Ogbia Local Government Area, designed to promote local manufacturing of equipment and components for the oil and gas industry, reduce import dependence and create employment opportunities. Lokpobiri reportedly inspected the facility in October 2023.

Also highlighted is the NCDMB Gas Power Plant in Elebele, described as part of investments by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to provide reliable electricity for industrial activities in the state.

The NCDMB Gas Hub at Polaku was also listed among the projects, with its proponents saying it is aimed at expanding gas infrastructure and supporting industrial development.

Another major facility cited is the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, which serves as the headquarters of the NCDMB and supports the agency’s activities in promoting Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector.

The list also includes the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, administered through the Bank of Industry to provide financing for qualified Nigerian oil and gas companies seeking to expand their operations, build capacity and create jobs. Lokpobiri reportedly highlighted the importance of the initiative during his October 2023 visit to Bayelsa.

The Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre at Otuabagi, Ogbia LGA, was equally mentioned. The project is intended to preserve the history of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery while supporting research, technological development and tourism. It involves collaboration among the NCDMB, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Shell and the Bayelsa State Government.

Other facilities cited include the NCDMB Fire Station, NCDMB Creche and the NCDMB Conference Hotel in Yenagoa. The facilities were reportedly among projects inspected by the minister during his tour of NCDMB facilities in October 2023.

The three-star conference hotel, according to the account, was under construction at the time of the minister’s inspection and was designed to provide accommodation and facilities for conferences and business activities.

The supporters argued that the projects demonstrate the minister’s contribution to the state beyond direct financial interventions, particularly through investments in the oil and gas sector and Nigerian content development.

They maintained that some of the projects were still under construction, while others had experienced delays but were being pursued for completion.

The statement appealed to critics to assess Lokpobiri’s record based on verifiable projects, institutional investments and long-term economic impact rather than personal expectations of direct financial distribution.

It further suggested that the full list of projects and initiatives would be presented in subsequent instalments, arguing that the minister’s reported contributions to Bayelsa’s development are too numerous to be adequately captured in a single publication.