NLNG, NCDMB Break Ground for Research and Innovation Centre at Rivers State University

Efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous research and technological capabilities received a significant boost on Thursday as the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) commenced construction of the NLNG Research and Innovation Centre for Computer and Electrical Engineering (RICCEE) at Rivers State University.

The project represents NLNG’s largest Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening initiative so far and is aimed at expanding the university’s capacity for advanced, industry-focused research, specialised training and the development of technological solutions for Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

The facility will also host a professorial chair and function as a fully operational research and development centre. It is expected to support industry-oriented research and the development of solutions to critical operational challenges, particularly those affecting NLNG. Research breakthroughs from the centre may also be commercialised for broader application across the industry.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a practical expression of the company’s commitment to sustainable human capital development.

Falade, who was represented by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the centre would enhance the university’s ability to produce highly skilled professionals while undertaking research that directly addresses industry requirements.

He added that RICCEE would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry demands by creating opportunities for researchers and professionals to work together on innovations with both commercial and developmental value.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director, Capacity Building, Abayomi Bamidele, described the ceremony as a major milestone in advancing the Board’s Human Capital Development objectives.

He explained that the project is part of NCDMB’s Human Capital Development Institutional Strengthening Programme, which focuses on establishing sustainable partnerships with higher institutions through the provision of infrastructure capable of improving teaching, research, innovation and practical skills acquisition.

The NCDMB boss challenged the centre to evolve into a dynamic hub for discovery, creativity, enterprise and technological advancement, where students are encouraged to innovate, researchers develop solutions to real-life problems, and industries can identify dependable partners for research and development.

He further commended NLNG for its commitment to the initiative, while appreciating the Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor and Management of Rivers State University for their dedication to academic excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, said the institution’s 2026–2030 strategic development plan places strong emphasis on enhancing academic programmes and promoting research collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He noted that RICCEE would serve as an important platform for achieving these objectives.

“We envisage the Centre as a world-class hub where researchers and students can develop practical solutions to engineering and technological challenges, where university-industry collaboration can flourish, and where innovative ideas can be transformed into useful products, technologies and services. The presence of NLNG and NCDMB today underscores the immense value of strategic partnerships.”

He thereafter expressed his profound gratitude to NLNG and NCDMB and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that the Centre is utilised productively to strengthen research, build human capacity, foster innovation and deepen collaboration with industry and educational institutions.

The centre will occupy approximately 9,336 square metres of land within Rivers State University and will feature specialised laboratories covering Electronics and Signal Processing, Robotics and Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, among other facilities.
The laboratories will include offices and storage spaces designed to support research activities, teaching, equipment management and technical administration.

The facility will also incorporate sustainability measures such as provisions for solar energy, energy-efficient lighting and environmentally responsible systems. These features are expected to help lower operating costs and promote reliable research activities.

RICCEE is among the Institutional Strengthening Projects being implemented under NCDMB’s Human Capital Development programme. The wider initiative seeks to strengthen institutions of learning through improved infrastructure, modern research facilities, technical equipment and training programmes aligned with industry needs.

The project is designed to extend human capital development beyond conventional classroom instruction by combining academic learning with research, technology development, professional training and practical problem-solving.
It is expected to further position Rivers State University as a stronger contributor to indigenous innovation and the development of solutions that address Nigeria’s industrial priorities.