More Nigerians are now working in the oil and gas industry, with local professionals making up 56% of the sector’s workforce, according to the Senate Committee on Local Content.
The committee disclosed this during a two-day oversight mission to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas led the delegation, supported by his deputy, Senator Ede Dafinone.
NCDMB Commended for Advancing Local Participation
Senator Thomas praised the NCDMB’s performance, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to expand indigenous capacity in strategic industries.
“The Board has shown impressive capacity in delivering the goals of the NOGICD Act,” he said. “What we’ve seen here reflects the President’s push to promote local content in key sectors.”
Broad Impact Through Skills Development and Infrastructure
Senator Dafinone echoed the chairman’s remarks. He highlighted the Board’s strong commitment to training and infrastructure.
“This is our first oversight visit as the 10th Senate Committee on Local Content, and we are pleased with what we’ve seen,” Dafinone stated. “The nearly completed industrial park and ongoing training programmes show clear dedication to empowering Nigerians.”
During meetings with the NCDMB leadership, the committee received a self-assessment report indicating that Nigerian professionals now represent 56% of the oil and gas workforce — a notable achievement in local content growth.
Call for Equitable Development in Oil-Producing Regions
Dafinone also emphasized the need to spread oil and gas benefits more evenly, especially in Delta Central. He called for more investments in infrastructure, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment in the region.
“We specifically request an update on the NCDMB Industrial Park in Orogun,” he added, stressing the park’s potential impact on youth employment and regional development.
Committee Reviews Key Projects and Compliance
The Senate team held technical sessions with the NCDMB to review compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. They also toured flagship projects, including:
- The Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS)
- The NCDMB Gas Hub
- The Conference Hotel building
- The NCDMB Crèche
Local Content Tied to National Growth
After the visit, the senators expressed satisfaction with the Board’s performance. They reaffirmed the importance of local content in driving long-term economic growth and national development.
“The success of local content initiatives shows Nigeria’s potential to become self-reliant in its most critical industries,” Senator Thomas said.