The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has continued its mission to boost in-country value addition by conducting a series of workshops for contractors, youths and host communities in Imo and Delta States.
The objective of the workshops was to enlighten the host communities about their rights, obligations and privileges in the oil and gas industry, in accordance with the Board’s mandate.
Engr. Simbi Wabote, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, represented by Dr. Ginah O. Ginah, the General Manager of Corporate Communication & Zonal Coordination, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of the workshop in protecting the interests and participation of the host communities in the oil and gas operation.
“We are now going round to the host communities in Nigeria to sensitize them on the Community Content Guideline so they can easily identify their roles as a host community and refer to the sections of the guidelines while communicating with the oil and gas industry in their community”, said Dr. Ginah.
During his presentation, Dr. Ginah emphasized the goal of the Guidelines to assure the local communities that they can be gainfully employed and have their competencies developed through relevant training opportunities.
He added that thousands of young Nigerians have already been trained and attached to various ongoing projects in the industry, allowing them to gain industry experience and secure permanent employment.
The General Manager also stressed that the Nigerian Content policy is focused on domiciling industry operations and developing local capacity. He encouraged participants to engage with the Board’s NOGICJQS database to fully participate in the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development Initiatives.
The Deputy Manager of the Capacity Building Division, Mr. Timbiri Augustine, also spoke at the workshop and enlightened the participants on the various training opportunities managed by the Board.
He explained that the training facilities are intended to close the skill gaps and boost local capacity and competency, thereby providing the needed workforce for Nigerians to fully participate in the oil and gas industry.
The NCDMB’s workshops in Imo and Delta States demonstrate the Board’s commitment to systematically grow in-country value addition through the development of local capacity and capabilities.