The Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) led by its Executive Chairman, Engr. Simbi Wabote, recently visited Charkins Maritime & Offshore Training Centre in Port Harcourt as part of efforts to explore areas of cooperation between the two agencies.
During the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of Charkins Maritime, Mr. Charles Wami expressed his happiness for the visit and expressed his company's readiness to partner the Local Content Board in training and capacity building for oil and gas personnel.
He disclosed that his company's education and training modules were in tandem with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) specifications.
He stated that the state-of-the-art centre would be commissioned in June and hoped that stakeholders in the oil and gas industry would take advantage of the facility to address capacity deficit in the sector while conserving scarce foreign exchange for the country.
The NCDMB boss said his visit would enable him to explore areas of cooperation with the Maritime institution.
Nigeria is the world's eight biggest oil exporter and relies on crude oil sales for its foreign exchange. The industry accounts for 40 percent of Nigeria's gross domestic product and is associated with over a billion dollars worth of investments annually.
However, the marked absence of indigenous players in these transactions where about 90 per cent of the equipment and personnel used in the industry are imported.
The local content law seeks to increase indigenous participation by prescribing a minimum threshold for the use of local services, and promoting employment of Nigerian staff.
Over the years, very little impact has been made in the oil and gas industry with regard to skills and expertise of Nigerians, including the transfer of technology. The law is hindered by artificial barriers and the lack of enforcement of the law.
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