Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has lauded the Nigeria LNG Limited over what it described as remarkable success at promoting Nigerian Content in the country.
Executive Secretary of the NCMDB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, gave the commendation at the Nigerian Content Stakeholders Retreat in Bonny, Rivers State, hosted by NLNG, in demonstration of its unwavering commitment to the advancement of local content in Nigeria.
Wabote expressed concern over the challenges of inadequate gas supply to the NLNG Plant and promised to support the company along the lines of approving third party gas injectors and sanctioning new deepwater gas projects. He said most of the marginal operators have also found gas, but part of their challenge was where to send the gas.
The NCDMB boss lauded the NLNG for its remarkable success at promoting Nigerian Content, recalling that at the inception, the company’s management level had 90 per cent expatriates and 10 per cent Nigerians.
“However, the table has now turned the other way, with the entire Management now consisting of Nigerians” he added.
Earlier, NLNG Managing Director, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said the retreat and award ceremony was designed to reaffirm NLNG’s commitment to upholding local content development as a catalyst for the economic advancement of the nation.
Mshelbila added that through NLNG’s Nigerian Content policy, the company has consistently championed the development of indigenous and national economic potentials while fostering a self-sufficient and competitive workforce for sustainable development.
“At NLNG, we recognised our pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of local content development in Nigeria and we are committed to Nigerian Content development aligns with our profound belief in Nigeria’s boundless potentials which can be unleashed by nurturing and harnessing local talents, Nigerian companies and associated resources, that will in turn help build a stronger, more prosperous nation. This includes technology transfer, given the high-tech plant and operations of the NLNG Plant in Bonny Island.
“While the company appreciates the outstanding contributions of major foreign partners, we insist on capacity development and knowledge transfer to encourage Nigerian companies to get more involved in the technical processes. We want to see more partnerships with local manufacturers, more empowerment for competitive edge, more import substitution with locally manufactured spares and parts.
“Since commencement of operations in 1990, NLNG has maintained unwavering commitment to local content development through significant investment in skills development programmes that empower Nigerian workers and companies with the knowledge and expertise required to drive economic activities in the nation’s Oil and Gas sector and associated industries.
“The company provides comprehensive trainings, and scholarships to cultivate local talent, while also actively engaging local vendors, to promote the growth of Nigerian businesses and bolster local economies. NLNG maintains a strong preference for sourcing goods and services locally, whenever practicable.
“The company has also achieved 100% Nigerianization of its management team and over 95% Nigerian workforce that are its greatest asset, a feat it achieved through strategic local and international trainings to grow professionals of global standards.”
The company also commended NCDMB for maintaining transparent and fair regulatory frameworks which are crucial for promoting responsible business practices and growth, adding that strengthening security measures to protect critical infrastructure and operating environment will further bolster Nigeria’s private sector growth and the nation economic gains.
