Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, says it is banking on the 2024 Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance, Executive Order 41, to unlock massive job opportunities and boost local participation in the oil and gas sector.
At the 2024 Nigerian Content Capacity Building Workshop for Media Stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 70% local content by 2027 through a combination of new projects, policy enforcement, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking, Engr. Bashir Ahmed, NCDMB’s Senior Supervisor, Project Certification and Authorization Division, broke down the directive’s significance:
Ahmed said, “Executive Order 41 ensures that only local companies with proven capabilities participate in oil and gas tenders. This translates to more projects, more investments, and ultimately, more jobs for Nigerians—from technicians to quality assurance engineers.”
The workshop, themed “The Role of Media and Communication in Sustaining the Tempo of Nigerian Content Development,” underscored the Board’s focus on collaboration with the media.
Also, NCDMB General Manager, Midstream Monitoring, Tassalla Tersugh, described the media as a “game-changer” in amplifying the Board’s initiatives and bridging the gap between opportunities and Nigerians.
“Building capacity is key. There are numerous opportunities in the oil and gas industry for Nigerians, but awareness is critical. The media plays a pivotal role in ensuring this message reaches everyone and in driving conversations around collaboration and growth.
“The media is our bridge to Nigerians. Through your work, more people can learn about the Joint Qualification System, build their skills, and position themselves to tap into the booming oil and gas industry,” Tersugh said.
She revealed that the Board’s strategy to hit the 70% target includes leveraging upcoming oil and gas projects and implementing the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance, EO 41.
“These initiatives will generate more projects and investments, leading to more jobs for Nigerians across various skill levels,” she added.L
Similarly, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, NCDMB’s Manager, Corporate Communications, emphasized the workshop’s dual purpose of educating the media on the Board’s activities and equipping journalists with enhanced skills.
“We believe in strengthening the media’s capacity to report effectively, not just for us, but for the industry as a whole.
“We believe in empowering the media with the skills and knowledge needed to report accurately and effectively, creating a ripple effect of awareness and growth,” he noted.
