NCDMB promises operational support to “only” indigenous oil & gas operators, service firms identified by NCCF sectoral working groups
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has revealed that it would only offer adequate attention on operational difficulties of whatever nature to indigenous operators and service companies in the oil and gas industry that have identified themselves with appropriate Sectoral Working Groups under the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF).
Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary made this known during the just concluded Practical Nigerian Content Conference, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while responding to questions on how ‘The 7 Ministerial Regulations’ has impacted oil and gas operations and, how challenges confronting indigenous oil and gas companies could be resolved.
The NCDMB boss advised any such business owners or operators not to hesitate to approach the NCCF.
EnergyDay gathered that the NCDMB had in 2010 established the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF), by Section 57 of the Nigerian Content Act, with the task of helping indigenous companies to find their footing in the oil and gas industry. NCCF identifies issues and responsibilities and proposes interventions that can address issues and harness opportunities.
Some of the sectoral working groups working with oil and gas service and operating companies include Fabrication; Finance, Insurance, and Legal Services; Shipping and Logistics; Education and Training; Petroleum Technology, and Multinationals. Other committees include Materials and Manufacturing; Information and Communication Technology; Engineering and Essential Services, which covers Medical Services, Health, Safety & Environment, Catering & Hospitality.
Barrister Ilu Ozekhome, while explaining how the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIC) Act, 2010, has enhanced the Nigerian content and value addition through sectoral and regional linkages, said, “The regulations are a framework within which provisions of the Act could be enforced.”
He also noted that preparatory work on the regulations had gone through several processes in which stakeholders had been fully engaged.
Mr. Akin W. Osuntoki, Chairman, of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF), and member, of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), on his part, noted that “The regulations have helped in bridging capacity” in the oil and gas industry.
He also revealed that with the effectiveness and efficiency in the enforcement of the regulations, indigenous companies found all the space and material support to grow their capacities and capabilities.
According to him, “The role of the NCDMB has been very strategic,” and that the Board has been “a referee and gate-keeper.
“Not only is NCDMB able to chart in-country demand, but it is also able to chart regional demands, and this enables investors to plan and to expand.
“Today,” he revealed, “PETAN is shaking hands across Africa,” a reference to Nigeria’s service companies now operating as international oil companies (IOCs) through the creation of regional linkages.
Dr. Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman, Fabrication, Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) in his comment said that the effective implementation of the statute of [NOGICD] Act has fostered growth among oil and gas companies in many ways.
He said the cost-savings arising from NCDMB’s approach to ease of doing business enabled him to take advantage of business opportunities.
The Managing Director, Tenaris, Mrs. Rosario Osobase, said, “NCDMB is doing so much in mentoring other African countries” in local content practice.
Other speakers commended the Management of the NCDMB for its Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS), which is aimed at creating industrial parks for companies engaged in the manufacture of equipment components, spare parts, and tools required in oil and gas industry operations.
