Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The CEO/MD of Aradel Holdings Plc, Mr. Adegbite Falade has emphasised his company’s strong commitment to Local Content, stating that the company’s workforce has been 100% Nigerian since it commenced operations, creating tremendous value as an indigenous company.
Falade made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe at the NCDMB office in Yenagoa.
He informed the Executive Secretary that Aradel Holdings Plc has provided sector leadership over the years, through its numerous pioneering achievements including its Host Community Development Trust which was the template for the Host Community Trust structure enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Ogbele Refinery and the Gas Processing Plant which helped it eliminate routine flaring, leading to the company being awarded the Global Gas Flare Reduction Excellence Award from the World Bank in 2015.
Falade reiterated Aradel’s support of indigenisation and the Company’s history of nurturing local expertise for the benefit of the industry and the country at large. He expressed Aradel’s complete support of the ideals of NCDMB adding that the Company will continue to ensure that all its vendors possess the relevant NCDMB documentation and certification and generally adhere to the NCDMB regulations.
Falade was accompanied by some senior executives including Mr. Temitayo Ogunbanjo, General Manager of Refineries; Ms. Titi Omisore, Group General Counsel; Mr. Femi Olaniyan, General Manager Engineering and Projects; Mr. Chukwuma Nkwodinmah, Manager Contracting & Procurement; Ms. Damilola Yahaya, Technical Assistant to the CEO and Ms. Victoria Humphrey, Media Lead.
While introducing his colleagues, Falade congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment and reaffirmed Aradel’s commitment to statutory payment of the one percent NCDF levy. and development of Nigerian content.
In his response, Engr. Ogbe assured Aradel Holdings of the support of the NCDMB, adding that the Board is focused on creating an enabling environment to allow local companies to progress.
He also acknowledged the commitment, patience, integrity, and financial prudence of Aradel Holdings Plc, as the Company has grown steadily through re-investment and prudent management of its resources. He called on Aradel to be open to sharing knowledge with other indigenous companies who also want to invest in modular refineries in the hope that the importation of refined products will reduce considerably in the near future as more companies produce refined products locally.
The Executive Secretary was supported by Mr. Abayomi Bamidele, Director of Project Certification, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha, Director of Finance & Personnel; Ms. Tari Bribena, Manager Procurement; Mr. Mofe Megbele, Senior Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary and Mr. Jephthah Vincent, Personal Assistant to the Executive Secretary.
