BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, NOVEMBER 09, 2025 | 09:57 AM
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has said the launch of the first indigenous Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel owned by Muhammadu Indimi represents a turning point in Nigeria’s push for economic self-reliance.
He said the milestone shows the capacity of Nigerians to lead in industrial innovation and large-scale investment.
The governor said this on Saturday at the sail-away ceremony of the EMEM FPSO held at the Drydocks World facility in Dubai.
He said the project reflects how private investment can support national development and help reduce dependence on foreign technology.
‘The sail away of the EMEM FPSO is more than an engineering success,’ Gov. Zulum said.
‘It shows that Nigerians can build and finance large projects that serve both local and global needs.’
The governor commended Indimi and his company, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, for leading an effort that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the $315 million FPSO, with a storage capacity of one million barrels and a daily production rate of 30,000 barrels, will strengthen the country’s oil output and revenue base.
He added that the success of the project highlights what local enterprises can achieve when supported by vision and discipline.
‘This milestone proves that Nigeria’s private sector can drive national growth, create jobs, and compete globally,’ he added.
Gov. Zulum linked the achievement to the broader lessons of resilience and innovation guiding Borno’s post-conflict recovery.
He said Indimi’s initiative should inspire younger Nigerians to invest in sectors that build long-term value for the nation.
‘The project teaches that progress is possible when we believe in our own capacity,’ he said.
Gov. Zulum thanked the Government and People of Dubai for hosting the event and supporting Nigeria’s industrial vision.
He wished the EMEM FPSO a safe journey to Nigeria, calling it a symbol of ‘hope, resilience, and national pride.’