NNPC Ltd., Nigeria’s national oil company, has restated its dedication to promoting local content development as a key strategy for achieving sustainable growth in the nation’s energy sector.
This commitment was articulated during the ongoing 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a premier event focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the oil and gas industry. Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., highlighted the significance of local content in creating a resilient energy sector.
Represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udobong Ntia, Kyari emphasized that the forum offers a unique platform for industry stakeholders to reflect on progress, exchange best practices, and chart a strategic course for the future.
“The PNC has birthed numerous initiatives aimed at addressing stakeholder concerns and maximizing the benefits of our abundant resources.
“We share a collective responsibility to empower local businesses and foster innovation, ensuring a robust oil and gas sector capable of meeting both domestic and global demands.”
Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd.
Kyari underlined the transformative impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which has served as a catalyst for empowering local businesses in the energy sector.
This legislation has not only opened doors for Nigerian firms to participate in critical oil and gas projects but has also positioned them to compete on a global scale.
“The enactment of the NOGICD Act marked a turning point for the industry, setting the stage for the integration of Nigerian companies into the global supply chain,” Kyari said.
He described the Act as a milestone that continues to influence the development of policies and strategies aimed at local capacity building.
Strategic Vision for Local Content Development
Kyari highlighted several strategic initiatives spearheaded by NNPC Ltd. to bolster local content, including the restructuring of key subsidiaries.
He revealed that the NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd. (NEPL) has been restructured to optimize its operations, while the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Ltd. (NETCO) is being transformed into a full-scale engineering powerhouse.
These efforts are geared towards strengthening indigenous participation in engineering, procurement, and technical services within the oil and gas industry.
He also referenced the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, which underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to advancing local content as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national strategy.
“This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy,” Kyari stated, adding that it is an opportunity for stakeholders to double down on their efforts to build a self-reliant energy sector.
The renewed focus on local content is not only about increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector but also about stimulating broader economic development.
Fostering local capabilities, creates jobs, encourages technology transfer, and supports the growth of ancillary industries.
Moreover, the emphasis on partnerships with indigenous companies ensures that Nigeria retains a significant share of the wealth generated from its natural resources.
This approach aligns with the government’s vision of using local content as a tool for national economic empowerment.
The discussions at the 13th PNC Forum reflect a collective commitment to advancing local content as a strategic priority for Nigeria’s energy sector.
NNPC Ltd.’s initiatives, alongside the support of the NCDMB and other stakeholders, are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable energy ecosystem.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward energy sufficiency and economic resilience, the PNC Forum serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in harnessing local talent, resources, and ingenuity.
Defining the “next frontier,” the forum charts a path forward for a dynamic and globally competitive Nigerian energy sector.
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