The Delta State Governor, Rt. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that the oil and gas industry is not just the cornerstone of Nigeria's economy but the main driver of the Nigerian economy, especially in the areas of industrialization and self sufficiency.
Governor Oborevwori stated this on the 19 march 2025 in a two day conference/exhibition organized by Vanguard Media Limited in association with Delta State Government and in partnership with the Nigeria Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) with the theme: Local Content Global Impact:
Energising Nigerian Expertise In The Oil And Gas Industry For National Growth"
According to Governor Oborevwori, the true potential of the oil and gas sector can fully be unlocked when the Nigeria's knowledge, expertise of local workforce is harnessed.He noted that through strategic implementation of Nigeria's local workforce that can foster sustainable growth within the sector to promote national pride, ownership and enhance smooth relationship with host communities.
He observed that, as the world evolved and demands of the global market continues, there is need for adaptation, innovation and positioning the country to attain the necessary growth and development in this regard as the sector is drastically embracing new technology and methodology adding that Nigeria must continue to develop and deploy local content to effectively compete with global states.
According to Governor Oborevwori, it is the recognition of the importance of local content hence the state government empowered the local industries, businesses and workforce and hence the department of local content was created in the state in the ministry of Oil and gas along side with Delta State Local Content Agency in the same ministry of Oil and gas.
His words:" it is the realization of this that the department of local content department was created in Delta State in the Ministry of oil and gas. We also have Delta State local content Agency in the ministries of Oil and gas".
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor said, the state government is committed to supporting the growth and development of this oil and gas sector through policies that can prioritize local content. He urged all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to collaborate with the state government to make it formidable saying that all Nigerians would repeat its benefits.
On his part, the executive secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board(NCDMB), Engr.Felix Omatsola Ogbe FNSE said local content is not merely about nationality or preference for indigenous players in the industry but it is about value addition, capacity building and fostering sustainable economic growth while maintaining international best practices.
According to him, it is ensuring that the wealth generated from Nigeria's natural resources benefits Nigerians through the development of skills, technology transfer and employment creation.
The executive secretary who was represented by Barr. Olugbenga Shebo, GM, infrastructure, capacity building, NCDMB said, it should be noted that, local content is not the same with trade restrictions which is otherwise known as protectionism. According to him, trade restriction is a restrictive economic policy that seeks to shield local industries from foreign competition through excessive tariffs, quotas, and exclusionary practices while local content is a strategy and practical approach that encourages local participation as it promotes environment where local companies can compete effectively with their international counterparts.
According to him, local content is its ability to foster function collaborations and through partnership between indigenous and international original Equipment Manufacturers, we create a dynamic ecosystem where knowledge is exchanged, expertise is developed and resources are optimized.
He said, with right mindset and strategic execution, Nigeria can continue to b model for how Local can drive industrialisation, diversification and national prosperity.
On his part, the President of DACCIMA, Prince Anthony Okoh said the topic of the day is call to action. According to him, it speaks of Nigeria's journey as a nation in developing indigenous expertise maximizing Nigeria's vast oil and gas resources and positioning Nigeria business for global relevance. According to him, while the body has made remarkable progress, it is obvious that there is still room for growth and development adding that, the future of the local content in Nigeria must go beyond mere participation as it must focus on excellence, innovation and sustainable. He said to achieve this, all stakeholders must address critical areas of bridging the skills gap, and encourage homegrown innovations, strengthening host communities engagement, improve access to finance for local companies and positioning for global opportunities.
DECCIMA President who was represented by Warri Chamber of Commerce, industry, Mines and Agriculture(WACCIMA), Engr.Anthony Okoh said, Warri and Delta State have historically been at the heart of Nigeria oil and gas industry adding that, with this, strategic location, skilled workforce and evolving industrial ecosystem, Delta State has the potential to lead the next phase of local content development.
His words:" As DACCIMA President, l reaffirm our chamber's commitment to advocating for policies that will position our business for success both locally and internationally". He therefore thanked organisers of the programme.
In his address, Founder/Publisher of Vanguard Media Media Group, Uncle Sam Amuka said the programme is meant to front dialogue on Local Content in Nigeria. He said over the years, it has been efforts by players in the oil and gas industry to achieve local content adding that, since Nigeria is a sovereign country, methodology and innovation have always been imported into the country where foreign companies come to the country, execute projects for Nigerians and run with all the benefits, which according to him, is not beneficial to Nigerians. The Founder/Publisher of Vanguard Media Group who was represented by the Deputy Editor, Vanguard Media Group, Adekunle Adekoya therefore thanked all for making out time for the programme.
In an interview, the Chairman Pan- Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF), Chief Prince Maikpobi Okareme said going by the Local Content Act, it is meant to benefit individuals and various communities, noting that it is now, the duty of all stakeholders to harp on the provisions to better their lives in particular and Nigerians at large.
Chief Okareme charged the current Executive Secretary of the board (NCDMB) to take the bull by the horn and to ensure full implementation of the provisions that are contained in the Act. He said, as it said originally, the head office should be located in any of the four major states with the provision that the three remaining states should have befitting offices.
He noted that, since the Headquarters is the tallest building in the entire Niger Delta and located in Yenaguo, Bayelsa state, befitting offices should be established in the remaining core states of Delta, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom as quickly as possible, stressing that, that of Delta State should be a priority.
His words:" In case of Delta, let it be a priority. It should be in the programme of the Board (NCDMB) to be submitted to the Minister, which l also believe, will be easily approved by the National Assembly because the provision for the funding is already provided in the Board which is already established in pursuant of various sections".
Chief Okareme said, it would be easy for the implementation of this Local Content Act in that, stakeholders were invited for the conference and they have contributed to the discourse on the way forward.
He said, as PANDEF being the umbrella organization projecting and protecting the interest of the South-South in particular which to some extent, core Niger Delta, is available, willing and capable of ensuring that there is proper follow up with various stakeholders.
According to him, both Committees of National Assembly and PANDEF are already in touch - working on partnership to play their roles as oversight over the activities of the Board.
His words:" So, with that synergy, we believe, we will ensure the Board to implements the original concept that made us bring this Act into existence".
The programme guest speaker, Prof. Jasper Ikpesu, Assistant Director/Head, HSE And General Services, Petroleum Training institute, spoke on the theme and rounded off with questions and answers.