The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd has reiterated its dedication to advancing local content in the energy sector, fostering sustainable growth for the industry.
This pledge was articulated by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, during the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, Kyari highlighted the significance of the forum as a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, share insights, and identify growth opportunities.
Kyari underscored the transformative impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which he described as a catalyst for enabling local businesses to compete globally.
“The PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximise 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 said.
He stressed the importance of developing local capabilities, leveraging advanced technologies, and fostering strategic partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Kyari also referenced the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, noting it as a significant step in prioritising local content as part of the national development strategy.
“This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy,” he added.
The theme of this year’s PNC Forum, “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” encapsulates the collective ambition of stakeholders to deepen local content in the energy sector.
Kyari detailed strategic initiatives undertaken by NNPC Ltd, including the restructuring of the NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd (NEPL) and positioning the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO) Ltd as a full-scale engineering firm.
He urged participants to actively contribute, share insights, and build connections to drive Nigeria closer to energy sufficiency.
“Together, we can cultivate a vibrant local content ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Key dignitaries in attendance included Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Nicholas Agbo Ella, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
Others included Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO); Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content; Hon. Boma Goodhead, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Content; and other notable industry leaders.
The 13th PNC Forum, hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), remains a vital platform for advancing local content development in Nigeria’s energy industry.
