By Abdulfatah Babatunde
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the advancement of local content in Nigeria.
The company reinstated this at a three-day Nigerian Content Stakeholders Retreat held at its plant complex in Bonny, Rivers State over the weekend.
The event provided a platform for the cohesion of NLNG’s vision of being a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.
This is also the goal of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as the umpire for Nigerian Content Development.
Delivering a keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the NCMDB, Mr Simbi Wabote expressed concern over the challenges of inadequate gas supply to the NLNG Plant.
Wabote promised to support the NLNG towards approving third-party gas injectors and sanctioning new deepwater gas projects.
He added that “most of the marginal operators have also found gas but part of their challenge is where to send the gas”.
The NCMDB boss lauded the NLNG for its remarkable success in promoting Nigerian Content.
He recalled that at the inception, the company’s Management level had 90 per cent expatriates and 10 per cent Nigerians.
“However, the table has turned, with the entire management now consisting of Nigerians,” he added.
Welcoming guests earlier, the NLNG Managing Director Dr Philip Mshebila, said NLNG designed the retreat and award ceremony to reaffirm its commitment towards upholding local content development.
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“Local content is a catalyst for the economic advancement of the nation, Mshebila said.
He added that through Nigerian Content policy, NLNG has consistently championed the development of indigenous and national economic potentials.
“We are also fostering a self-sufficient and competitive workforce for sustainable development.”
According to Mshelbila, NLNG recognises its pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of local content development in Nigeria.
He, therefore, restated the company’s commitment to Nigerian content development in alignment with its belief in Nigeria’s boundless potential.
“We can unleash these potentials by nurturing and harnessing local talents, Nigerian companies and associated resources.
“This includes technology transfer, given the high-tech plant and operations of the NLNG Plant in Bonny Island.
“They will, in turn, help build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” the NLNG boss said.
While the company appreciates the outstanding contributions of major foreign partners
Mshelbila insisted on capacity development and knowledge transfer to encourage Nigerian companies to get more involved in the technical processes.
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“We want to see more partnerships with local manufacturers, more empowerment for a competitive edge, more import substitution with locally manufactured spares and parts.”
The NewsZenith recalls that since it began operations in 1990, NLNG has maintained an unwavering commitment to local content development.
It is ensuring this through massive investment in skills development programmes that empower Nigerian workers and companies.
NLNG is also providing expertise required to drive economic activities in the nation’s Oil and Gas sector and associated industries.
At the award ceremony, outstanding local vendors as NLNG’s business partners, commended NCDMB for maintaining transparent and fair regulatory frameworks.
This transparency and framework are crucial for promoting responsible business practices and growth.
They added that strengthening security measures to protect critical infrastructure and operating environment would further bolster Nigeria’s private sector growth.
Highpoint of the award night is the recognition of NLNG partner companies for outstanding performance in their dealings with NLNG.
Notable among them are EVOMEC Global Services Limited, Coleman Cables and Wires and A.O Brownson Enterprises. Others are Alfred Temile LPG Tanker and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited.
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