By John Ikani
The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) says it is impressed by efforts made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in implementing local content.
APPO is the umbrella organisation of all oil-producing countries in Africa. It serves as a platform for cooperation & harmonisation of efforts, collaboration as well as sharing of knowledge and skills among African oil-producing countries.
A delegation from APPO led by its Director, Research, Dr. Najah Terha paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Thursday.
The delegation was received by the General Manager, Research And Statistics, NCDMB, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu and the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru (FNSE).
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Dr. Terha said “it was aimed at understanding how the NCDMB implements local content, to share experience with other African countries and to also set the agenda for a common local content program for Africa.”
The delegation was intimated with NCDMB’s strategy on Human Capital Development (HCD), Research and Development (R&D), overall local content implementation, as well as the Board’s success story.
They were also taken on a tour round the Nigerian Content Tower, NCDMB Conference Centre, NCDMB Technology & Innovation Incubation Centre (TIIC) as well as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) at Emeyal 1.
Speaking to newsmen after the tour of the oil and gas park, Dr. Terha said the delegation was “impressed with what it has seen so far,” adding that the industrial park was one of the numerous exciting practical examples of local content implementation that it has seen during the visit.
While noting that the industrial park set up to promote manufacturing of equipment, spare parts, chemicals and other inputs required in the industry is a huge infrastructure under development, Dr. Terha added that “it will set an example for others to follow when completed.”
