By Hilary Ojeh
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has underlined the importance of a vibrant chemical industry to achieving sustainable development of any nation.
He made this statement in Lagos during the recent commissioning of Pacegate Energy & Resources Limited (PEARL)’s Chemical Solutions Manufacturing Plant.
Wabote who was represented at the event by the General Manager, Project, Certification & Authorization Division of the Board, Engr. Paul Zuhumben commended the company for investing heavily in the 12,900 metric tonnes capacity factory for manufacture of chemical solutions aspects of the hydrocarbon value chain.
He disclosed that since the Board began implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act it has always focused on developing in-country capacities in manufacturing, fabrication, engineering, marine vessel and rig ownership; and other high-end services that support the oil and gas industry and create in- country value.
He mentioned that the Board has revised its compliance and enforcement guidelines to continuously focus on promoting local content champions, by ensuring that indigenous companies that invest in capacity are allowed to bid for exclusive scopes in their areas of core competencies.
In his words, “we wish to recognize and acknowledge that during the global pandemic lockdowns the production integrity and operations were sustained by local entities who had built in-country capacity thus did not need to rely on the outside world for critical business support. This was a great testament to the importance of local content capacity development that we preach.”
While commending the company on the feats it has recorded in adding value to the economy, he stressed the need for it to comply with the provision of the NOGICD Act and the resultant policies and guidelines of NCDMB.