Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER — The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has restated its dedication to advancing local content development as a cornerstone for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
This affirmation was made during the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, currently taking place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mallam Mele Kyari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udobong Ntia, emphasized the significance of the PNC Forum as a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange best practices, and identify growth opportunities.
Kyari highlighted the transformative impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, describing it as a milestone that has enabled local businesses to achieve global competitiveness.
“The PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our rich resources. We have a shared responsibility to empower local firms and drive innovation to ensure a robust oil and gas sector that meets both local and global demands,” Kyari stated.
Kyari reaffirmed NNPC Ltd’s commitment to fostering local capabilities, integrating advanced technologies, and nurturing partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria. He referenced the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, describing it as a testament to the Federal Government’s prioritization of local content in national strategy.
“This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to remain steadfast in advancing the agenda.
Kyari further detailed NNPC’s strategic initiatives to strengthen local firms, including the restructuring of NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd. (NEPL) and the transformation of NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Ltd. (NETCO) into a full-scale engineering company.
Participants at the forum were encouraged to engage actively, share insights, and establish partnerships that could expedite Nigeria’s journey toward energy sufficiency.
“Together, we can cultivate a vibrant local content ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,” Kyari concluded.
Themed "Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation," this year’s PNC forum underscores the shared vision of advancing local content across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo; Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Oil) and Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo (Gas); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella; and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
Other prominent attendees included Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO); Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content; and Hon. Boma Goodhead, Chairperson of the House Committee on Local Content.
Hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the PNC Forum continues to serve as a pivotal platform for the evolution of local content policies and strategies in Nigeria’s energy sector.
