By Chioma Iruke
Nigeria’s Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has presented an Award of Recognition to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Engr. Simbi Wabote, for his giant strides in promoting local content in Nigeria.
Principal/Chief Executive of the Institute, Dr. Henry Adimula conferred the Award on Friday at the Institute’s 2021 Graduation Lecture Ceremony.
In his opening remarks, the PTI Boss idolized Engr. Wabote “as one with a bird’s eye view”, highlighting that the Institute had reformed its curriculum and content to supply the needs in the petroleum industry, working collaboratively with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS).
He noted that in a bid to enhancing the synergy and cordial working relationships between the Institute and key stakeholders, the new administration upon assumption of duties, paid the NCDMB a courtesy visit at its magnificent 17-storey edifice in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to further familiarize themselves with the Board and to also close gaps in trying to transform, re-strategize and reposition the Institute to achieve its mandate.
He further advised staff and students to utilize the opportunity of the graduation lecture maximally to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience of Engr. Wabote.
On his part, Engr. Wabote who gave a lecture on the recently signed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its prospects, stated that areas like Gas Flaring, Midstream Activities, Fiscal Framework and Host Community Development are key focus areas by the Board.
He reaffirmed that Local Content is not a sprint, but a marathon. He charged the Institute to change with the times, as the operational procedures are changing with technology and innovations.
The NCDMB Boss further emphasized that Local Content is not about ‘Nigerianization’, but Domestication of Nigerian Content.
Concluding, Engr. Simbi congratulated the graduating students and applauded the leadership of the Institution for giving him the opportunity to share in the PTI 2021 Graduation Lecture Ceremony.
