NEWS
NCDMB commences ASNT Level III Training & Certification in Nigeria
Modupe ASUDO
PORT-HARCOURT -THE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has flagged off the training of 30 Trainees for the maiden American Society for Non-Destructive Testing, (ASNT) Level III Training and Certification in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary was represented at the ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday by the General Manager, Capacity Building Division of the Board, Dr. Ama Ikuru.
He disclosed that the training was informed by the need to urgently address the existing critical gaps in the ASNT Level III professionals in-country, adding that the Board is committed to train and certify 100 Nigerians in that category.
Engr. Wabote hinted that Nigeria currently has just about 11 ASNT Level II inspectors, despite the fact that Non-Destructive Testing is a high value adding activity with versatile applications in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors. He said the intent of the training is to specifically address existing in-country gaps, reduce capital flight resulting from the engagement of expatriates for the provision of Non-Destructive Testing, (NDT) and related professional services, and to also drive train-the –trainer strategy to create viable and robust pool of NDT professionals in-country.
Other objectives of the training he also enumerated, are to enhance the professionalism and competitiveness of Nigerians in the provision of NDT and related services in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors, drive the domiciliation of NDT services in-country, increase local participation and retention of industry spends in the NDT value chain and further the attainment of the goals and aspirations of the NOGICD Act of 2010 and the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Road Map.
The Nigerian Content Chieftain commended two reputable companies charged with the responsibility to deliver the training, namely: Jimcol Resources Nigeria Limited and Inspection & Tests Nigeria Limited. He stated that both companies are specialists with remarkable experience in the provision of NDT training and services, and members of the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) which is a leading certifying entity in NDT profession globally.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Association of Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners (ANTEP), HRH Chief (Sir) Rowland Nze felicitated the Executive Secretary, Engr. Wabote on his recent reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari. Chief Nze commended the Board’s capacity building initiative which has changed the narrative of quality control processes in the oil and gas industry by assuring an advanced level of participation of Nigerians in QA/QC and NDT protocols of the industry.
The ANTEP President asserted that the Board through its partnership with the Association has empowered the practice of NDT in the Nigerian oil and gas space, noting that some companies now have investments in both advanced equipment and human resources. He added that local practitioners had invested with the confidence that first consideration will be given the Association for all NDT jobs in Nigeria.
The Royal Father wrapped up his address by requesting the National Assembly to reconsider the current proposal to increase the percentage of contribution to the Local Content Fund from one percent to two percent. He said such an amendment may have the unpleasant consequences of increasing the burden of an already stretched oil industry economy and may impact negatively the government’s plan to improve ease of doing business in Nigeria and by extension affect local practitioners like ANTEP companies.
In their comments, the chief executive of Jimcol Resources Nigeria Limited, Engr. Ndubuisi Chijioke and his counterpart, Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi of Inspection & Tests Nigeria Limited both expressed delight for the Board’s ambitious initiative to fill the skill gap in the NDT industry. Both companies did not hide their excitement by the opportunity to work with NCDMB and ANTEP in the human capacity development project to train and qualify 30 Nigerian NDT personnel to ASNT Level III.
They reiterated the significance of the project that the Board has set out to increase local capacity at this skill level by over 200 percent and potentially by more than 700 percent when the 100 Level II NDT inspectors are finally trained and certified as promised by the Board.
The high point of the kick-off ceremony was a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities of both companies by the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr. Ama Ikuru, accompanied by the executive members of ANTEP and other industry stakeholders.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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