Featured, Oil & Gas
By Anthony Isibor.
THE Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL, Mele K. Kyari, says the company will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and industry experts to provide strong support for the Nigerian Content objectives.
Kyari told the 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagua on Tuesday that the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024 is a clear testament to government’s commitment in prioritising local content.
According to him, this directive should make all the industry players feel secure and committed to the local content strategy.
He said that the theme of this year’s forum — “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation” was not just a statement, but a call to action and highlights “Our collective goal of advancing Nigerian content across the energy sector and beyond our borders”.
Kyari, who was represented by Udobong Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPCL, also called on all industry experts to recognize the current realities of the industry, which include technological innovation and embracing partnerships, while identifying strategic opportunities for domestic companies even as they define the next frontier for Nigerian content.
He noted that Nigeria can build a robust oil and gas sector that not only meets local energy needs, but also competes on the global stage by fostering local capabilities, promoting technological innovation and embracing partnerships.
While expressing the commitment of the NNPCL to ensure the emergence of capable service companies ultimately leading to a more sustainable and prosperous energy future for Nigeria, he said that the integration of advanced technologies, such as digitalization and automation, was essential for enhancing operational efficiency.
He averred that domestic companies that invest in technology can reduce costs and improve productivity, making them competitive on a global scale.
He said that the PNC, which offers a unique opportunity to reflect on progress and explore new avenues for enhancing Nigerian content in the energy sector, also underpins the significant objectives of Nigerian content policy, which include hardwiring local benefit to oil industry investments, taking responsibility for knowledge-sharing, sharing best practices and demonstrating that the knowledge and capability to run our industry is in the right hands.
The PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns about the common challenges of implementing Nigerian content.
“There is no doubt that the NCDMB is poised to support these laudable endeavours, which will see the expansion and proliferation of Nigerian firms across the global stage.
“As companies seek to export their strengths and services, they will face challenges as they navigate foreign market dynamics different from those in the local market where they have successfully established their presence over the years.
“However, with the interactive successes and solutions provided over the years after previous editions of the PNC, the wealth of experience garnered, profiles of the distinguished dignitaries invited to engage over these few days, and the value addition that will emanate from the interactions, I firmly believe that these challenges can be surmounted.
“I encourage you to engage actively, share insights, and forge connections during this forum. Together, we can accelerate our journey toward energy sufficiency and cultivate a vibrant local content ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,” he added.
Speaking on the efforts of the NNPCL towards ensuring a thriving Nigerian content in the oil and gas sector, he disclosed that NNPCL has restructured the Exploration and Production Limited, NEPL, to exemplify how local firms can evolve to meet industry demands., through refocusing on operational excellence and leveraging on local expertise to lead initiatives that align with global best practices.
“In a similar vein, we have placed the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company, NETCO, Limited on a path to ensure that the company expands its capabilities as a full-scale Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning, EPCIC, companies. This diversification positions the NETCO to take on larger contracts and projects, enhancing its improved market presence.
“Additionally, NNPC Energy Services, EnServ, Limited has been positioned to provide comprehensive energy solutions, further showcasing the potential for local companies to thrive and innovate in various sectors of the oil and gas industry.
“NNPCL is dedicated to expanding the reach of our service companies beyond national borders, not only to enhance our brand but also to attract foreign direct investment for our economy.
“Recently, we have concentrated efforts on increasing national crude oil and gas production from suboptimal levels and we have witnessed instances where collaborative efforts among oil producers and service providers have yielded desired results.
“As a nation, we can maintain our current trajectory and provide service providers with the opportunity to support the growth in production volumes, thereby securing Nigeria’s rightful position as a major oil and gas producer.
“On their part, service providers should be focused on deploying best-in-class solutions that will assist in meeting shareholder expectations as well as serve as a catalyst for grooming expertise that is exportable to other countries,” he added.
A.I
Dec. 4, 2024
Tags: Mele K. Kyari NCDMB NNPCL PNC Udobong Ntia
