A high-powered delegation from the Republic of Congo, has visited Nigeria, to study the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB’s) institutional structure and strategies for developing indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry.
The delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and other senior government officials from Republic of Congo, which visited NCDMB yesterday, on a study visit, said they embarked on the visit, because NCDMB has continued to position Nigeria’s local content experience as a model that can be adapted by other African oil-producing countries seeking to increase indigenous participation and retain more value within their domestic economies.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director, Upstream, Mr. Franc Mouzabakani, said the visit was part of efforts by the Central African country to deepen its understanding of Nigeria’s local content development policy and implementation framework.
The delegation which also visited some to key NCDMB facilities in Bayelsa State, including the NCDMB Gas Plant in Elebele and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS) in Emeyal II, was received in Yenagoa on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, by the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu.
He was accompanied by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Silas Ajimijaye; General Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha; Manager, Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Mr. Maurice Iwhiwhu; and other officials of the Board.
During the engagements, NCDMB officials took the visitors through the Board’s mandate, operational framework and the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, while highlighting Nigeria’s roadmap for achieving 70 per cent Nigerian Content by 2027.
The delegation also toured the Nigerian Content Tower, including the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre, where they were exposed to some of the Board’s initiatives aimed at promoting technology development, entrepreneurship and indigenous solutions in the oil and gas industry.
Speaking further, Mr. Mouzabakani, said Nigeria was selected for the study visit because of its longstanding reputation as a leading champion of local content development in Africa.
He said the presentations and facility tours had provided the Congolese officials with a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s journey in developing and implementing local content policies.
Source: dailytrust.com