The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content development and Monitoring Board, Engr Simbi Wabote on Tuesday said that, the Petroleum and Industrial Act (2021) has reinforced board role in the oil and gas sector.
According to him, the board is poised to fully utilize the opportunity provided to derive maximum benefit for our country, Nigeria.
Wabote spoke on the theme: “Driving Nigerian Content in the New Dawn of the Petroleum Industry Act’’, at the 10th Edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Forum which kicked off with Golf Tournament and Anniversary Dinner.
He said, “this year marks the fourth year of the journey since commencement in 2018. Permit me to provide updates on each of these pillars and enables as well as our targets against next year.
” It gives me great pleasure to highlight that we delivered on the 5,000bpd Waltersmith Modular Refinery as you will recall it was commissioned by Mr. President in November 2020.
“We will be commissioning the first 100MT storage and bottling plant in Katsina in the next few days. Also, in partnership with Brass Fertilizer, we are developing a 10,000 tonnes/day Methanol Production Facility at Brass Island, Bayelsa State.
“With regards to the 5th pillar, Sectorial and Regional Market Linkages, we promised in year 2019 to extend our collaboration with sister agencies and other MDAs to enhance enduring partnerships that support the patronage of local investors
“We believe we are on track towards the 70% NC target but we will need the support of all industry stakeholders to make it happen.”
The Bayelsa State governor Governor Douye Diri, while declaring the 10th Annual Practical Nigerian Content Forum open said, they are committed to working with all parties and interests to create the conditions desirable to provide the enabling environment for successful operations in the oil and gas sector.
Diri said, “We need to re-engage and build trust across all fronts. If Local Content must lead to Local Contentment, we must be deliberate in promoting its raison d’être (objectives). Which without polemics, should be about creating the key conditions that will allow Nigerians to acquire sufficient skills and be architects of their own fortunes and those of their communities.
“I am persuaded, that if we follow through on my humble suggestions, we will evolve an oil and gas sector, more aligned with the aspirations of our theme:- “Driving Nigerian Content in the New Dawn of the Petroleum Industry Act,” for the edification of my people and the increased profit of the industry.
I wish you fruitful deliberations and look forward to your support and your innovative ideas on how to bring Local Contentment to Local Content. Because we know that if we do that, we will deliver benefits not just here in Bayelsa State, but to the country as a whole, for many more years and decades to come”
