— As the Board considers economic growth

Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin

Lagos — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has provided an update on the progress of their 10-Year Strategic Roadmap. They highlighted that local capabilities for fabrication have surpassed domestic needs, with Nigerian firms offering these services not only within Nigeria but also in the Middle Eastern and other African oil and gas industries.

At the launch of a year-long Nigerian Content Non-Compliance, NC-NC, Remediation Training Program in Yenagoa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated that NCDMB aims to implement the provisions of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD, Act from 2010. He emphasized that enhancing the capabilities of local firms to engage with the oil and gas sector remains their core objective.

The Remediation Training Program is receiving sponsorship from Waltersmith Petroleum Oil Limited, with the Executive Secretary attending through representatives including Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq., who serves as the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination.

Set up in April 2010 to carry out and ensure compliance with the stipulations of the NOGICD Act of 2010, the Board launched a 10-year strategic plan in 2017 aimed at boosting Nigerian participation within the oil and gas sector from 26 percent to 70 percent by 2027. This comprehensive strategy comprises five key areas; the initial one prioritizes enhancing technical skills along with strengthening the capabilities of indigenous suppliers so they can deliver high-quality services to the petroleum industry efficiently and effectively, all while maintaining stringent quality benchmarks.

By 2010, Nigeria faced significant constraints in fabricating steel pipes domestically, leading the oil and gas sector to heavily depend on imports of these materials from overseas. This situation had adverse effects on the nation’s economy due to substantial outflows of capital. Initially producing fewer than 50,000 metric tons annually at that time, domestic production increased progressively to reach 228,260 tons by 2017. The trend continued upward in subsequent years, indicating notable progress in both local pipe manufacturing and their coating processes within the country.

For the NCDMB, which aims to expand the reach of Nigerian Content within fabrication projects and retain spending linked to the fabrication sector domestically, such rapid expansion marked a considerable milestone. The Executive Secretary emphasized this achievement by stating, "Our nation now boasts surplus fabrication capabilities, allowing us to export beyond our borders."

The fabrication facilities within the nation offer three key services: constructing ships, repairing and maintaining them, fabricating metal frames, and assembling and installing steel structures. Prominent local companies encompass Bablink Resources Nigeria Limited, Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited, Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, Beam Energy Limited, Ariboil Company Limited, AOS Orwell Limited, Aveon Offshore Limited, and Brightwaters Energy Limited.

According to the Roadmap, he pointed out that the Board aims to generate 300,000 jobs in the oil and gas sector along with related fields like energy, power, and construction during this specified period. "Although we haven’t reached 300,000 yet, our progress so far has been quite commendable," he remarked.

He mentioned that many individuals who received training in oil and gas are currently employed across various sectors within Africa. This situation, he felt, ought to inspire present participants to remain dedicated and driven, considering the numerous major initiatives scheduled for implementation in this field from now until 2026.

"We remain committed to actions that benefit young individuals, fostering economic growth and supporting the oil and gas sector. We are also focused on preparing you for employment and enabling you to create job opportunities for others," he confirmed.

He stated that NCDMB doesn’t merely serve as a regulatory body but also acts as a facilitator for businesses. He highlighted several programs implemented by the organization aimed at simplifying commercial activities, including the introduction of Service Level Agreements, or SLAs, which were initiated within the public sector to remove unnecessary administrative hold-ups from procedures.

The Executive Secretary likewise praised Waltersmith Petroleum Oil Limited for their role in organizing the training program and for undertaking various other efforts aimed at enhancing capabilities.

On behalf of Waltersmith, Ms. Sarah Ajunoma, who serves as the Lead Advisor for External Affairs and Government Relations, highlighted the training program as a significant milestone for the participants—a crucial step that will transform various aspects of their lives.

As she encouraged their dedication, she stated, "It's crucial to take ownership of your own growth and development."

She expressed the appreciation of her company to NCDMB for the support her company has enjoyed and for the collaboration in capacity development.

Mr. Aniso Kelly, who represents Dexterous Applied Training Institute, an educational consulting company, detailed the structure of the training program, divided into two main sections: General Courses and Specialized Skills. The first section includes courses such as Entrepreneurship, Workplace Health and Safety, Information and Communications Technology, Introductory Oil and Gas Engineering Materials, and Understanding Nigerian Content Regulations.

The Specific Skills encompass Quality Control and Assurance, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, as well as Process Engineering.

During the initial weeks of the program, the general courses will take place at the NCDMB Learning Centre in Yenagoa. However, the specialized skill sets requiring practical training will be conducted at a specific facility in Port Harcourt. The overall program includes 52 trainees, including those currently enrolled in the present cohort of 23 participants.