The reconfigured Senate Committee on Local Content, headed by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South), declared Wednesday in Abuja that it will partner with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to implement its functions.
In his address at the inaugural meeting of the committee formerly chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), Senator Onowakpo said NCDMB will serve as a veritable platform for the committee to achieve its aims, which are stated in order 96 of the Senate Standing Rules.
He said, ” The mandate of this committee, as stipulated in order 96 of the Senate standing orders 2023 as amended, is clear and unambiguous: to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from the country’s natural resources.
Order 96: ” Specifically, the jurisdiction of the Committee shall include:(i)Nigerian Content Development (ii). Monitoring Board (NCDMB), ( iii) Matters relating to local capacity development, ( iv) Transfer of technology in oil and gas industries, (v) Matters of local content and transfer of technology in other mature industries such as construction, power, railway, ICT etc, ( vi) Issues relating to the patronage of local manpower, ( vii) Receiving annual performance report of the Nigerian Local Content; and (viii) Annual budget estimates.
” The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plays a vital role in achieving these aims.
“Therefore, collaboration between this committee and NCDMB is essential. We will work closely with NCDMB to ensure that the provisions of the NOGICD Act are implemented effectively.
” The committee will not only provide oversight, but it will also support the Board in its efforts to develop and implement policies that promote Local content development. In addition to our collaboration with the Board, we will engage with other stakeholders, including operators, service providers and local businesses.
” The committee will create an enabling environment that fosters the growth of local businesses and promotes job creation.”
In hitting the ground running, the committee resolved to embark on an oversight visit to NCDMB’s head office in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, from Wednesday to Friday next week.
