FIC Report (Lagos State) – The federal government through the Nigerian, Content Development and monitoring Board (NCDMB), unveiled the Monarch Alloys Limited 3LPE and concrete weight coating facility in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, said the facility represents another step forward in the country’s ability, to provide advanced pipeline infrastructure which is designed, built and completed in Nigeria.
According to him, the facility is a testament, to what is possible when private enterprise aligns with national vision, and when local capacity is not only developed but demonstrated with confidence.
He stated that too long, critical elements such as pipeline coating were sourced from abroad, draining both opportunity and value from our economy.
The NCDMB boss called on stakeholders, particularly the operating companies, to deepen their collaboration with local players such as Monarch Alloy.
The Minister of Petroleum (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the company for the facility which will reduce dependency on foreign companies for pipe coating, calling on oil companies to patronise Monarch instead of importing.
Lokpobiri appealed for more local content initiative, to end importation, saying Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu is no longer a dumping ground.
He stated that, the problem with Nigeria’s dwindling oil production is poor pipeline infrastructure saying most pipeline are older than 60years.
The Minister for State, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, said the facility was put in place in about 18months, stressing that this coincided with the administration of President Tinubu.
Enoh believed that through the pipe coating facility, the country is expanding it’s value chains.
In his speech, the chief executive officer of Monarch Alloys, Atul Chaudhary, disclosed that, the company was ending steel importation into Nigeria.
He said the company has grown steadily to become one of the leading producers of steel today in the country.
Also, he noted that the firm was able to set up the factory in less than two years, from May 2023 to January 2025.
Furthermore, he explained that the company is looking forward to more investment in the country, saying it has an annual capacity of 2 million square metres per annum and can close up to 500 pipes per day.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the company for investing in Lagos State and creating jobs for the masses
Represented by the secretary to the state government, Bimbola Salu- Hundeyin, the governor added that, the establishment of the facility represents industrial progress.
He explained that the facility will be beneficial to other sectors like maritime, ensuring safety and stability in projects.
The governor emphasised that, the location of the plant in Ikorodu showcased trust and confidence, investors have in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Osagie Okabor of Shell PLC assured Monarch Alloys of the company’s support, commending the completion of the facility in 18 months.
Osagie said pipeline coating is critical to oil production, while appreciating NCDMB for the success of the facility.
Others at the event, included the Senator representing Lagos east, Adetokunbo Abiru, former Minister for industry, Niyi Adebayo, and a host of traditional rulers.
Signed
Ujowundu Juliet Chinyere
CI&PRO
25/04 /25.
