Work Begins on Historic Oloibiri Museum as Project Site is Handed Over to Julius Berger

A new chapter in Nigeria’s oil and gas history was written on Tuesday as the site for the long-anticipated Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMPRC) in Otuabagi, Bayelsa State, was officially handed over to Julius Berger Plc. The ceremony, which took place at the community town hall in Otuabagi, marked the formal launch of construction activities for the multibillion-naira national heritage project.

The site handover signifies the conclusion of crucial preparatory processes and stakeholder alignment, allowing construction to commence at the exact location where oil was first discovered and produced in Nigeria in 1957.

A Long-Awaited Dream Comes to Life

Project lead and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, expressed excitement over the milestone. Represented by the Board’s Director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Ogbe noted that the project fulfills a long-standing promise to immortalize Otuabagi—the birthplace of Nigeria’s oil industry—with a world-class Oil and Gas Museum and a state-of-the-art Research and Testing Centre.

He pointed to global examples like Pennsylvania in the United States, where oil exploration began, noting that similar historical sites are celebrated with museums and research centers. “History is in the making,” he said, as he assured that Julius Berger has been mobilized to the 55-hectare site and a dedicated project management team is in place to monitor progress and adherence to timelines.

A Hub for Knowledge, History, and Innovation

The OMPRC will comprise two major components:

1. Oil and Gas Museum – This will feature interactive digital exhibits, geological formations, historical tools and platforms, and multimedia engagement for students, professionals, tourists, and researchers from around the world.

2. Research and Testing Centre – Situated around one of Nigeria’s original oil wells, this arm will host real-world prototype testing for oil and gas innovations and provide field experience for university students studying related disciplines.

The initiative is being funded jointly by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), NCDMB, Shell Petroleum Development Company (now Renaissance Africa Energy Limited), and the Bayelsa State Government, with a contribution ratio of 40:30:20:10 respectively.

Empowering the Local Community

Halilu reassured the Otuabagi community of their integral role in the project, revealing that a governance structure is in place to ensure sustainable management. He encouraged local youths to take full advantage of the skills training that will be rolled out as part of the project’s community engagement plan.

He also praised the community’s Stakeholder Committee—led by Professor Teddy Adias, Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Otuoke—for their maturity and cooperation in resolving early disputes over the project site.

State and Stakeholders React

Bayelsa State’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Peter Akpe, who represented the State Government, hailed the ceremony as a landmark moment signaling the shift from planning to action. “This project is finally coming to life,” he said, thanking all project promoters and the local community for their dedication.

Julius Berger’s Deputy Regional Manager for South and East, Mr. Rimon Marisho, described the handover as “a perfect beginning” and assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to delivering a development that would stand the test of time.

Leaders from the Ijaw nation, including INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, and IYC President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, gave goodwill messages and pledged their support and cooperation for a safe and successful execution of the project.

A Legacy in the Making

In his welcome address, Stakeholder Committee Chairman, Professor Adias, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NCDMB, PTDF, Renaissance Africa (Shell), and the Bayelsa State Government for their unwavering commitment. He recalled that the project had been on the drawing board since 1981 during the administration of President Shehu Shagari, and called the day’s event a long-overdue moment of redemption for the Otuabagi community.

Also in attendance were key NCDMB officials including Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile (GM, Human Capital Development), Mr. Silas Ajimijaye (GM, Midstream Monitoring), and Mr. Suleman Ozhimede (GM, Facility and Logistics). The Bayelsa Government delegation included Mr. Perepuighe Biewari (Commissioner for Lands), Mr. Timipre Seipulo (Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Revenue), and Ms. Patience Abah (DG, Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency).

The Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre promises to be a historic tribute, a learning hub, and a catalyst for local and national development.