The Federal Government should prioritize local content as a key element of national development strategy if the energy sector is to continue to grow, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has said.
As part of the strategy, the company said there should be a directive to all the operators in the energy sector to make local content a key policy in their operations.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, who stated this at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, this was what has informed the commitment by the company to be at the forefront of the promotion of the policy in the petroleum industry.
Kyari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, emphasized the significance of the PNC Forum as a unique opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the progress recorded so far, share best practices and identify strategic opportunities for further growth.
He noted that the landmark Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 ushered in a transformative era for local businesses in the industry, positioning them to compete on a global scale.
“The PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our rich resources. We have a shared responsibility to empower local firms and drive innovation to ensure a robust oil and gas sector that meets both local and global demands,” Kyari said.
The GCEO further emphasised the importance of fostering local capabilities, embracing advanced technologies, and nurturing partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Highlighting the commitment of NNPC Limited to local content, Kyari referenced the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, describing it as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing local content as a key element of national strategy.
“This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy,” Kyari added.
The theme for this year’s PNC forum, “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” underscores the collective goal of advancing local content across the energy sector.
Kyari detailed NNPC Ltd’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local firms, including the restructuring of the NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd (NEPL) and the positioning of the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO) Ltd as a full-scale engineering company.
He encouraged participants at the Conference to engage actively, share insights, and forge connections that would accelerate the journey towards energy sufficiency in Nigeria.
“Together, we can cultivate a vibrant local content ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,” he noted.
Also present at the event are the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo; Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and his Gas counterpart, Ekperikpe Ekpo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Secretary General of African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Local Content, Boma Goodhead and others.
The 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum was hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The forum is a vital platform for advancing local content development in Nigeria’s energy sector.
