Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has officially commenced construction of the Oloibiri Oil Museum and Research Centre in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State—marking a significant step in preserving Nigeria’s petroleum history.
The landmark project, located at the site of Nigeria’s first oil well, was formally handed over by key stakeholders through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), signaling the end of all preparatory procedures and the green light for full-scale construction.
Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB and Project Lead, described the multi-billion-naira initiative as a symbolic and socio-economic milestone. Represented by the board’s Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, Ogbe emphasized that Nigeria must follow international practice by commemorating the origin of its oil industry—just as seen in oil heritage sites like Pennsylvania in the United States.
The facility will include a world-class oil and gas museum, interactive exhibitions, and a research and testing centre aimed at serving students, professionals, and tourists alike. A dedicated governance framework has been put in place to ensure accountability, with the local community given a stake in the project’s management.
Julius Berger’s Deputy Regional Manager (South and East), Rimon Marisho, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality delivery, thanking the NCDMB, Bayelsa State Government, and Otuabagi community for their support. “This is a perfect beginning. We are ready to deliver a project that meets both global standards and community expectations,” he said.
The Oloibiri project is being funded by four partners: the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (40%), NCDMB (30%), Renaissance Africa Energy Ltd (20%), and the Bayelsa State Government (10%).
Community leaders, including the Stakeholder Committee chaired by Prof. Teddy Adias, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, were praised for helping resolve earlier disputes around the project’s location—clearing the path for construction on the 55-hectare site.
Once completed, the Oloibiri Museum is expected to become a national heritage centre, preserving the legacy of Nigeria’s oil industry while boosting local tourism, education, and development.
