NNPC reaffirms commitment to local content development

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) has reiterated its commitment to driving local content development and fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.

This was highlighted by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, during the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, Kyari underscored the significance of the forum as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress, share best practices, and explore strategic opportunities for the industry.

Kyari noted that the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 marked a transformative era, enabling local businesses to compete globally.

He emphasised the collective responsibility to empower local firms, drive innovation, and ensure the sector meets both local and international demands.

“The PNC has introduced several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our rich resources. We must embrace advanced technologies, foster partnerships, and develop local capabilities to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria,” Kyari stated.

He also highlighted the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, describing it as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing local content as a core element of national strategy.

“This directive reinforces our resolve to strengthen the local content strategy. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians,” added the NNPC boss.

Themed “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” this year’s forum reflects the collective goal of advancing local content in the energy sector.

Kyari outlined NNPC’s initiatives aimed at enhancing local capabilities, including restructuring the NNPC Exploration and Production (NEPL) and positioning the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO) as a full-scale engineering firm.

The NNPC boss encouraged participants to actively engage, share insights, and forge partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward energy sufficiency.

Dignitaries present at the forum included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo; Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri and Ekperikpe Ekpo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nicholas Agbo Ella; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Omar Ibrahim; Senate Chairman on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; House Committee Chairman on Local Content, Boma Goodhead, among others.

Hosted by the NCDMB, the PNC Forum continues to be a pivotal platform for promoting local content in Nigeria’s energy sector.