By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote on Friday commissioned the secretariat of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigerian (PETAN) at Trans-Amadi Industrial Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In his remarks at the occasion, the NCDMB Chief Executive lauded PETAN for contributing to the Board’s goal of achieving 70 percent Nigerian Content in the Oil and Gas industry by 2027, adding that Nigerian oil and gas companies play crucial roles in the provision of services for the sustenance and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
He underscored PETAN’s roles in creating employment opportunities for Nigerians, advocacy in the oil and gas industry, showcasing in-country capacity and capabilities and promoting in-country value retention for the prosperity of the people and businesses.
Engr. Wabote noted that this was the fifth time in 2022 that he would be commissioning a facility in Port Harcourt. He stated that Rivers State hosts the largest concentration of oil and gas service providers in Nigeria and commended the state government for creating the enabling environment for businesses to incubate and grow rather than relocating to other states.
He went on to disclose that the Board houses about 9,000 service companies registered in the NOGIC-JQS offering diverse services including Engineering, Fabrication, Procurement, Drilling services, Logistics, Exploration and Seismic services, Installation and Commissioning, Inspection and Testing, Project Management, Finance and Insurance, and many others as listed in the Schedule of NOGICD Act (2010).
The Local Content Chieftain also commended the international and indigenous operating oil companies for their support to PETAN companies and the service industry. “Your business principles and technical expertise have continued to rub off on Nigerian businesses in the delivery of their jobs,” he said.
He also remarked that building and patronizing local capacities and capabilities result in cost reduction, a reliable supply chain, and sustainable business operation.
While congratulating the PETAN chairman for his re-election, Engr. Wabote charged him to continue to maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism and support other African countries in their quest to build capacities.
In his remark, the Chairman, PETAN, Mr. Nicolas Odinuwe informed stakeholders that the group comprises of over 100 members companies within different categories providing vast services in the entire value chain in the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the Nigerian economy and beyond the shores of the country. He further commended the Executive Secretary for supporting the association in ensuring local participation in the industry.
Representatives from Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Petroleum Commission, Ghana delivered goodwill messages at the event.
Other highlights of the event were PETAN’s Golf Tournament and PETAN’s Annual Dinner celebration, where the Executive Secretary was conferred with the Distinguished Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership in the oil and gas industry.
