The Senate Committee on Local Content has called for the full cooperation of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and international oil companies (IOCs) to effectively carry out its mandate.
The newly Chairman of the committee, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (Delta South), made the appeal during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
He emphasized the need for members to demonstrate dedication, expertise, and passion to advance the committee’s objectives.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo recently assumed leadership of the committee following a reshuffling of Senate standing committee chairmanships. He succeeded Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi North), who was reassigned to the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on the committee’s mandate, Joel-Onowakpo outlined its jurisdiction, which includes overseeing the NCDMB, promoting local capacity development, and facilitating technology transfer in the oil and gas industry. He also noted its role in ensuring local participation in key sectors such as construction, power, rail, and ICT, as well as safeguarding patented local manpower.
“The committee will work hard to create an enabling environment that fosters business growth, promotes job creation, and develops critical assets and skills,” he stated.
He highlighted the crucial role of the NCDMB, established by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010, in achieving these goals. The board, he said, is responsible for guiding, monitoring, coordinating, and implementing the Act’s provisions.
“The NCDMB’s mandate includes increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, generating economic opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians,” Joel-Onowakpo said.
Underscoring the importance of local content, he noted that its benefits include job creation, the development of critical assets and skills, and the expansion of local businesses. Additionally, he emphasized its economic advantages, such as increased government revenue, a better balance of payments, and reduced dependence on foreign goods and services.
To maximize these benefits, he stressed the need for strong collaboration between the committee and the NCDMB.
“We will work closely with the NCDMB to ensure the effective implementation of the Act. The committee will not only provide oversight but also support the board in developing and implementing policies that promote local content development,” he said.
Beyond its engagement with the NCDMB, the committee will also collaborate with other key stakeholders, including operators, service providers, and local businesses.
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“We will create an enabling environment that fosters local business growth and promotes job creation. Among other things, we will request briefings from the board on the collection and disposal of local content materials. Additionally, we will ensure that infrastructure companies comply with existing local content laws and regulations,” he added.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo also expressed gratitude to Senate President Akpabio for entrusting him with the leadership of the committee.
“I am humbled by this great responsibility and remain committed to working with my colleagues to advance Nigerian content development in oil and gas and other emerging industries,” he added.
