By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote on Friday commissioned two new facilities owned by Uniterm Nigeria Limited, and Southwestern Technologies and Oilfield Services Limited both in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In his address at the events, the NCDMB chieftain lauded both companies for demonstrating that Nigerian businesses have risen up to the challenge of growing their outfits and contributing to the development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
While noting that both companies are contributing to the goal of achieving 70 percent Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry by the year 2027, he hinted that Nigerian oil and gas service companies are pivotal to the provision of services for the sustenance and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
“I am optimistic that the addition of the new Operational Base and office complex will further enhance the operational efficiency to provide superior service delivery to all its customers,” he said.
The local content helmsman further disclosed that about 9,000 service companies are currently 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 other functions to the industry.
He expressed delight that Nigerian oil and gas service companies have shown resilience and are steadily making their mark in the provision of top-notch services to diverse clientele not only in the oil and gas industry but also in the hospitality industry.
“It is a fact that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Service companies play very crucial roles in the provision of services for the sustenance and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry”, he added.
Engr. Wabote pointed out that Rivers State hosts the largest concentration of oil and gas service providers in Nigeria and commended the efforts of the state government for creating the enabling environment for businesses to grow within the city rather than relocate to other states.
He enjoined all stakeholders in the industry to remain committed and participate in the wave of opportunities to bring about credible institutions, competent individuals, prosperous economy.
Delivering his remarks, Engr. Obioha Okoroafor, who is the Managing Director of Hobark International Limited and doubles as the chairman of Uniterm Nigeria and Southwestern Technologies applauded the Board for all the giant strides it had achieved since inception, which has helped to grow Nigerian Content for the oil and Gas sector and other sectors of the economy in-country.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO, Uniterm Nigeria Limited, Mr. Austin Omobhude reeled out various services provided by the company and commended the NCDMB for the unusual support for Nigerian businesses to grow and ensure industries comply with the Local Content Law.
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO, Southwestern Technologies and Oilfield Services Limited, Engr. Chris Idisi described the Board as the platform that enables local companies to build capacities in the oil and gas industry. He added that the Nigerian Content Act has developed capacities to provide new and improved services in-country.
