Lokpobiri’s visit to brass inspires local contractors in Bayelsa

Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has cautioned contractors handling Federal Government projects in the South-South region to deliver quality work and avoid the fate of abandoned projects.

During a recent visit to Brass Island, Bayelsa State, Lokpobiri inspected four key projects awarded by the Federal Government, 3.2km Ewoama Concrete Road, Petroleum Tank Farm, Atlantic Petroleum Refinery, and Brass Fertilizer Company.

While three of these projects remain abandoned or idle, the 3.2km Concrete Road in Ewoama, awarded by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to Fak Engineering & Construction Company Ltd in November 2022, has been progressing steadily under the supervision of Reliabuild Services Ltd.

Speaking on the Minister’s visit, Hon. Noel Dimi Inafa, an indigene of Brass Local Government and Community Relations Manager of Fak Engineering & Construction Company Ltd, highlighted Lokpobiri’s satisfaction with the quality of work done so far.

He said, “The Honourable Minister was impressed with the quality of work completed, describing it as the best concrete project in the South-South region.”

In a statement titled “Clarification on Recent Developments Regarding the Concrete Access Road Project,” Inafa sought to address concerns surrounding the Minister’s inspection.

He reaffirmed that the Ewoama-Inibomoye Kiri Concrete Road Project was structured with milestone-based payments, contrary to speculation of full payment.

He noted that while Fak Engineering & Construction Company Ltd remains committed to delivering quality work, price fluctuations in the economy have posed challenges.

He added, “Unlike other projects on Brass Island that have been abandoned despite full payments, Fak Engineering & Construction Company Ltd remains actively engaged.”

The minister also expressed concerns over companies that received full payments without delivering results, noting that such firms are currently under investigation by the EFCC.

“The Honourable Minister urged Fak Engineering to continue working diligently and avoid the fate of other abandoned projects,” Inafa added.