A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, has petitioned the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe multi-million-naira investments done by the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Sunny-Goli, who represented Nembe-Brass Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly said he is calling for a ‘’thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited.’’.
The former parliamentarian, who said all the projects are situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area, noted that the investments were undertaken during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
According to Sunny- Goli, NCDMB total equity of $200million was contributed for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Limited project which was conceived to establish two trains of 5,000MTPD methanol plants and one train of 500Mscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odioma on the Brass Island, Bayelsa State.
For the Atlantic Refinery project, he disclosed that full investment of $35million was made for the project which was expected to be a 2,000 bdp modular refinery with a jetty facility and a 2MW power plant and a duration of 24 months completion at the Brass Free Trade zone (FTZ).
Sunny- Goli stated further in his petition that also include for probe is the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited which NCDMB’s investment was for the establishment of a 50 million-litre facility with a two-way product jetty, automated storage tanks and loading bay in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He expressed sadness that the current state of the three projects is nothing to write home about as it is now surrounded by uncertainty and a sense of gloom.
Sunny-Goli pointed out that the projects are well-meaning and could provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and also increase the revenue of government.
The petition read in part, “I was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following my election to represent Brass Constituency 1 between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, I contested and won the election to represent the good people of Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the 9th Assembly (2019 – 2023), particularly in the Federal House of Representatives.
“Given my years of active political and communal leadership, I am by all standards qualified to express concerns about the overall development of my people and to protect same.
“It is on this premise that I hereby wish to forward a petition to the Commission for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution as it relates to the disbursement of funds for the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, the Atlantic International Refinery & Petrochemical Limited, as well as the Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, all situated within the precinct of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during the tenure of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Eng. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
Background:
“Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited: The project was conceived to establish two (2) trains of 5,000 MTPD methanol Plants and One(1) train of 500 MMscf per day processing plant and associated infrastructure to be sited in Odiama, Brass Island, Bayelsa State. The total NCDMB equity contribution for this project is $200m. With an initial payment of $20m made in May, 2021, and an annual payment of $60m over the period of 3 years.
“NCDMB Directors: Simbi Wabote and Mohammed Umar. Keyman: Mr. Ben Okoye. Current Status of Project: Available information indicates that nothing tangible has been accomplished on this project, thus making its delivery uncertain.”
