By Els Williams
Mallam Mele Kyari, NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, stated this while delivering his goodwill message at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, holding at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Kyari praised NCDMB for being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s local content journey, particularly since the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010. This legislation marked the dawn of a new era for local businesses, fostering innovation, empowering indigenous enterprises, and placing Nigeria on the global competitiveness map. The Board’s proactive initiatives have transformed resource management into a springboard for industrial growth, ensuring that the nation’s wealth translates into tangible development.
“The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been a cornerstone in driving the local content agenda forward. NCDMB’s unwavering efforts, commitment, and strategic initiatives have reassured us that we are maximizing the benefits of our rich resources and supporting the industrialization efforts of companies that are actively providing services within the Nigerian energy sector” he said
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 was another significant milestone, which Kyari acknowledged as instrumental in reinforcing transparency, investment, and sustainability within the oil and gas sector. “The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 further underscores our commitment to local content. This comprehensive framework not only promotes investment but also ensures transparency and sustainability in our operations, providing a secure and optimistic outlook for the future of local content development”
He also recognized the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance as a bold step to integrate local content as a strategic pillar of national economic development.
Kyari’s message underscored the synergy between NNPC and NCDMB, “at NNPC Limited, we will continue to collaborate with NCDMB and industry experts to achieve our goal of delivering value to our industry” he said, describing their collaboration as “a partnership pivotal in reshaping Nigeria’s energy narrative”.
Through shared efforts, they have not only expanded local capacity but also created opportunities for Nigerian firms to compete on a global scale. He pointed to NNPC’s restructuring of its subsidiaries, such as NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), as prime examples of how local expertise can be harnessed for global relevance.
A significant theme of Kyari’s address was the importance of embracing advanced technologies, fostering partnerships, and investing in innovation to position Nigeria as a leader in energy solutions. The integration of digital tools and automation, he noted, will enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enabling local firms to excel in international markets.
Kyari emphasized the importance of leveraging forums like PNC to exchange insights, strengthen collaborations, and tackle the challenges of exporting local expertise. “This year’s forum theme—Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation—is not just a statement but a call to action. It highlights our collective goal of advancing Nigerian content across the energy sector and beyond our borders. It should inspire and motivate us to continue our efforts in this direction”. He expressed confidence that the interactions at the forum would drive collective efforts to overcome barriers and sustain the trajectory of industrial and economic growth.
Closing out his Message, Kyari reaffirmed NNPC’s unwavering commitment to supporting NCDMB’s initiatives, championing local content, and fostering a vibrant energy ecosystem that delivers value to all Nigerians. As the forum progresses, it stands as a rallying point for charting a future where Nigeria’s resources fuel not only national prosperity but also global competitiveness.