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Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has declared that the state government would support the Train 7 project of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited because of its potential to create about 15,000 jobs and enhance the state economy.
Governor Wike says that Rivers people are happy that the Train 7 project of the NLNG will soon come on stream, stating that it is key to the growth of the state.
He spoke Wednesday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the management of the NLNG.
“The Train 7 is very key to the development of Rivers State. We are glad that it will soon take off. I am happy with the quantum of jobs that the Train 7 will create in the state,” Wike said.
“However, these jobs should not be cleaners and unskilled workers. I want the NLNG to ensure that qualified Rivers people are employed when the Train 7 comes on stream.”
The governor stated that the government and people of the state would support the successful take off of the Train 7.
He commended the management of the NLNG for initiating the Community Health Insurance Scheme for Bonny Island, saying that the state government would partner with the company to achieve the objectives of the programme.
On the project initiated by the NLNG to supply cooking gas directly to the state instead of passing through Lagos, Governor Wike assured that the Rivers Government would dredge the Iwofe waterway for that purpose.
“I will only support companies that mean well for the people of Rivers State. My business is to do good for our people, so that their lives can improve.
“Other companies should emulate what NLNG is doing in Rivers State. On behalf of the people of Rivers State, I commend the NLNG,” the governor said.
He also commended the NLNG for establishing their headquarters in the state and also working to eradicate malaria.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NLNG, Tony Attah, prayed that the second term of Governor Wike would be more rewarding for the people.
He thanked Governor Wike for his contribution to the development of NLNG Limited.
He stated that the NLNG is set to kick off the Train 7 of the company, where the company is expected to spend between $6 billion and $7 billion USD by way of investment.
“The employment side of the Train 7 is that it will create about 10 to 15 thousand jobs for the people of the state. It will build the skills and capacity of the people. The final investment decision will be taken in October,” he said.
Attah informed that the NLNG has worked out the modalities to ensure that cooking gas is delivered to Rivers State, instead of being routed through Lagos.
He appealed to Rivers Governor to assist in realising the project by dredging the Iwofe waterway.
He commended Governor Wike for promoting security in the state, saying it has created a safe environment for investment.
“I must commend your efforts in keeping the state safe. We thank you for supporting and building security, which has given us the confidence to invest in the state. The Train 7 is a game changer,” he said.
He briefed Governor Wike on the investments in community health insurance scheme, power supply to Bonny and the eradication of malaria in Bonny.
