The Senate Committee on Local Content underlined President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to increasing local capacity development by providing more job opportunities for the country’s expanding population of graduates and artisans.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, chairman of the committee, made the announcement on Thursday during an oversight visit to the landmark Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Senator Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, remarked that the committee’s mandate, as specified in Order 96 of the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as modified), is to guarantee that Nigerians derive the greatest benefit from the country’s natural resources.
He urged all stakeholders in the oil and gas business to support the federal government’s efforts to create jobs through expanded local content initiatives.
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“The benefits of local content cannot be overstated,” he said. “Our collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is vital to achieving our desired goals as outlined in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which must be implemented to the letter.”
He stated that the oversight visit aimed to ensure NCDMB’s compliance with the true intent of the NOGICD Act of 2010.
According to the senator, the NCDMB’s responsibility is to increase Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector by creating economic opportunities and enhancing citizens’ livelihoods.
He assured the board of the committee’s ongoing commitment to creating an enabling climate for local firms to prosper.
Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, welcomed the committee members and extended genuine gratitude to the senators for their oversight visit to the Nigerian Content Tower—the board’s operations base—to examine current progress.
Engr. Ogbe highlighted some of the board’s notable accomplishments, including the continuing “Back to the Creeks Initiative,” which aims to reach rural and host communities. Under the scheme, the board assists destitute students who are unable to pay their WAEC fees, allowing them to take their exams.
He reaffirmed the board’s dedication to its mandate and expressed confidence that the Senate’s visit would have a beneficial influence on its operations and increase output in the oil and gas sector.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the NCDMB, described the board’s efforts as a “50-50 win situation,” saying that the board has made significant investments in the industry.
During the visit, Senate Committee members saw the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government Area. Engr. Kelly Olali, Project Manager, escorted the crew throughout the facility, answering senators’ questions and explaining various parts of the project.
Senator Ede Dafinone (Vice Chairman), Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka, Senator Ezra Okechukwu, Senator Isa Shu’aibu Lau, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Senator Amos Yohanna, Senator John Williams Enoh, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo were among those in attendance.
