As part of its efforts to promote local content, the management of Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL), an energy park, said on Wednesday that 600 students from six major Nigerian institutions will be offered internships in Nigeria oil refining companies on an annual basis.
Akintoye Akindele, the company’s executive officer, made the promise during an inspection visit of the facility with other partners in Edo State’s Egbokor, Orhionmwon local government area, where he stated 100 students from Obafemi Awolowo University will be the first to benefit.
He added the complex’s first phase, which includes a modular refinery, gas processing facility, data centre, and power plant, will start in April 2022.
“We are pleased to announce that we will provide 100 students with internship opportunities to participate in this initiative each year. To begin, we will provide an internship program to 100 students from Obafemi Awolowo University, with their salaries set at minimum wage and housing provided in the staff quarters”.
“After that, it will be extended to the top six colleges in the country, with a total of 600 students every year,” Akindele added.
According to him, the project has more than 70% local content, with Nigerians accounting for 95% of the entire workforce.
“This is an energy park in the sense that it includes all energy sources such as gas, electricity, and oil, as well as data centre technologies. We’ve combined the old energy sector with new technology to create a carbon-neutral, contemporary firm that not only benefits the environment but also creates employment and boosts the confidence of local engineers”.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in this initiative, which is sponsored entirely domestically by the Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDMB), as well as lenders such as First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Union Bank, Zenith Bank, and Polaris Bank. Local investors have contributed a significant portion of the cash”.
