By Anne Azuka
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that growing local capacity of the Nigerian workforce remains the sure way of curbing unemployment in the country, as he commends the military for relying on direct labour and local contractors in the execution of it’s projects.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo made the observation and commendation in his address during his familiarisation visit to the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare in the capital city of Asaba, Delta State.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo who represents Delta South Senatorial District, said the visit was not for an oversight function but to familiarize himself with military formations within his constituency with a view to having better understanding of their operations, challenges and prospect.
The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, reaffirms President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s avowed commitment towards growing local capacity.
According to him, let me use this opportunity to briefly talk about the Local content act. As Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content, let me commend the military for the use of direct labor and also using local contractors where it becomes necessary.
“Let me reaffirm the commitment of Mr. President in growing local capacity. Growing local capacity is the sure way to creating employment for our teeming graduates and artisans.
“As industry operators, we cannot blame the federal government for the unemployment when we are the ones aiding and abetting those who are determined to bypass the law.
“We all have a share responsibility. We have to actively be seen to support this Government initiative to create massive employment for our people. Never again, will jobs met for our people outsourced to expatriates.”
Senator Joel-Onowakpo assured Nigerians that the Senate would ensure that Nigerian contractors will get what was due them, and called for continued support of the President Tinubu’s administration.
