NEWS
NCDMB Unveils Procedures For Implementation Of Presidential Directive on Local Content, Highlights Recent Accomplishments
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Monday in Abuja hailed the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements as crucial for enhanced competitiveness and mitigation of risks in regard to unqualified contractors, just as he unveiled five focal areas for implementation of the policy initiative.
The Executive Secretary spoke at the Nigerian Content Seminar, the opening day of the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Conference, in Abuja.
The NCDMB boss listed the areas as ‘Promoting the Utilisation/Growth of In-country Capacities,’ ‘Enhancing the Cost Competitiveness of Oil and Gas Projects,’ ‘Non-inclusion of Intermediary Entities Lacking the Essential Capacity to Perform from the Nigerian Content Plan (NCP),’ ‘Approval of Nigerian Content Plan (which consists of contractors that meet the legal definition of Nigerian companies and demonstrate capacity to execute projects within Nigeria),’ and ensuring that ‘Entities acting solely as intermediaries, with no demonstrable capacity to execute the project or activity, shall not be approved.’
Engr. Ogbe assured that under the first focal area, ‘Promoting the Utilisation/Growth of In-country Capacities,’ the Board would continue to leverage its existing processes “to assess and verify the capacity of companies, facilitating and carrying out in-country capacity audits in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.”
On enhancement of cost competitiveness of oil and gas projects, he said, among other activities operators in the oil and gas industry would only be permitted to source capacities out-of-country “only after in-country capacity gaps have been identified.”
In regard to the third focal area, namely, ‘Non-inclusion of Intermediaries Lacking the Essential Capacity,’ Engr. Ogbe stated that the “Tender opportunity’s pre-qualification and technical evaluation phases” would be used to eliminate entities so identified as incapable of performing.
Explaining the Board’s procedure in respect of ‘Approval of Nigerian Content Plan (NCP),’ he noted that international players’ participation would be deemed appropriate only “when the necessary Nigerian Content level is unavailable locally or inefficient.”
While assuring that entities acting solely as intermediaries with no demonstrable capacity to execute a project would not be approved, he reiterated that the Board remains “steadfast in its dedication to guaranteeing that any services provided will generate value in the country,” and that it would “evaluate current policies and guidelines to encourage the development of indigenous capabilities and guarantee that these policies and guidelines are not misused, misapplied, or misinterpreted.”
In all, he observed with satisfaction that the Presidential Directive and the Board’s modalities are in sync with the objectives of its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, which aims to increase Nigerian Content to 70 per cent by 2027.
Among recent landmark accomplishments of the Board, as identified by the NCDMB boss, were the inauguration of Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detection Device and Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing facility in December 2023 in Abuja, the commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) Hub and NEDOGAS Plant in June in Delta State, and the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and its Joint Venture partner, Nigerian National Petroleum Company
Limited.
Engr. Ogbe seized the occasion to congratulate winners and participants in the Golf Tournament organized as part of the NOG Energy Week. The golf tourney is sponsored by the NCDMB and the Executive Secretary emphasized that the event is an excellent platform to provide clarity, expositions, tips and guidance to industry players on the provisions of the NOGICD Act.
Speaking during one of the breakout sessions, the Director of Projects Certification and Authorization Certificate (PCAD) at the NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele explained that NCDMB had enabled oil and gas through its policies, collaboration and investments.
He indicated that about 1000 Nigerian service companies were registered on the NOGIC JQS in 2011, but the number had increased to 13,000, while the number of operating companies had equally increased to 120 firms.
He charged service companies to only accept jobs they have the technical capacity to execute, and to eschew the practice of bidding for every job in the oil and gas industry.
He also emphasized that Nigerian Content is not a major cost driver in Nigeria, noting that other elements like security and managing community stakeholders are big cost drivers.
In his contribution, the General Manager, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye affirmed that subsequent legislations enacted in the oil and gas industry after the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act had reinforced the NOGICD Act.
Also contributing in the session, the chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engr. Wole Ogunsanya noted that Nigerian Content development built the capacity of local companies who now execute jobs across Africa and beyond. He added that local content implementation had lowered the entry barrier into oil and gas industry and created
local operating companies that are acquiring the assets being divested by international oil companies.
Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, hairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has voiced confidence that Nigeria’s economy could be revitalized within months through concerted efforts between the government and private sector.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after his induction into the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, Dangote emphasized the potential for collaboration to drive substantial economic turnaround.
The PECC, comprising high-level officials and key private sector leaders like Tony Elumelu of United Bank of Africa and Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, aims to provide strategic guidance to policy-making.
READ MORE: https://biztellers.com.ng/dangote-slams-cbns-interest-rate-hike-warns-of-job-losses/
Dangote pledged that both sectors would work closely to advise and implement policies crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.
He said “This is where the public and private sector will work together. We will advise the government on the type of policies needed to revamp the economy.
“Our economy can be turned around in a few months. Things will soon change. We will work to make sure that things change for the better.
Recall that during a three-day summit organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja earlier this week, business tycoon Aliko Dangote advocated for new policies aimed at safeguarding and promoting the development of local industries.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of existing businesses, particularly manufacturers, by creating conducive operational environments.
He stressed “Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30%. No growth will happen. We must look to leading countries in the West and the East who are actively protecting their domestic industries.
“Import dependence is equivalent to importing poverty and exporting jobs. No power, no growth, no prosperity. Similarly, no affordable financing, no growth, no prosperity. There is no industrialisation without protection. Ignoring these facts is what gives rise to insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and abject poverty.”
In a significant act of digital activism, the hashtags #Tinubumustgo and #EndBadGovernance2024 have surged to the top of X’s trending topics, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political leadership.
A striking image bearing the message “End bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” has become the emblem of this growing movement, demanding the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and advocating for improved governance across the nation.
The protest urges Nigerians from all tribes, religions, and regions to join, highlighting a collective effort to tackle the country’s challenges.
Uproar As Angry Nigerians Ignite ‘#TinubuMustGo’ Campaign On Social Media
Recall that, President Tinubu who assumed office in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for years.
However, his presidency has faced substantial criticism, with major issues like persistent economic difficulties, widespread insecurity, and the high cost of living driving public discontent.
These hashtags have united Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, resonating with a shared frustration with the current situation.
Social media platforms have been flooded with posts calling for change as one user tweeted, “Nigeria deserves better leadership. #TinubuMustGo,” while another wrote, “End bad governance now! #EndBadGovernance2024.”
The appellate court in Abuja has overturned a Rivers High Court order that had barred Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from serving as state assembly lawmakers.
The decision came from a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada, who ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and that the case should be addressed by a federal high court.
Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his colleagues appealed a Port Harcourt High Court order prohibiting them from acting as legislators.
Rivers Political Turmoil: Pendulum Swings In Favour Wike’s Camp
On May 30, High Court Judge Charles Wali issued an order preventing the lawmakers in Amaewhule’s faction from conducting legislative sessions, including within legislative quarters.
Judge Wali also barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from engaging with or accepting resolutions and bills from the 25 lawmakers.
The lawsuit was initiated by Victor Oko Jumbo, another factional speaker, along with legislators Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Adolphus Timothy, all supporters of Governor Fubara.
The High Court declared that all laws enacted by Amaewhule and his faction would be invalid until the case was resolved.
In their appeal, Amaewhule and his group sought to overturn the lower court’s judgment and invalidate the actions taken by Jumbo’s faction.
The appellate court’s ruling now allows Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume their legislative duties, pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has strongly criticized and rejected the appellate court’s verdict, arguing that it gives politicians a free pass to switch parties without facing consequences.
The coalition’s executive director, Dr. Samson Iroegbunam, condemned the Court of Appeal’s decision, likening it to legitimizing illegal actions and asserting that lawmakers cannot be allowed to exploit laws they disregard.
He said “The Appeal Court has now created new complications with the judicial precedence it has set instead of giving rulings that stabilise Nigeria’s democracy and enhance the rule of law.”
The group urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, asserting that the judgment would not stand the test of time.
They emphasized that democratic-minded stakeholders in the state have indicated plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure the will of the people is respected.
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