Former NCDMB boss seeks extension of local content

…says its will boost employment

THE extension of local content initiative to other sectors of the economy will not only increase the participation of more Nigerians in the economy, but boost the employment opportunities, the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Denzil Kentebe has said.

Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State while handing over the mantle of leadership to the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Patrick Daziba Obah who will function as the Acting Executive Secretary until a substantive chief executive officer is appointed.

He expressed hope that local content policy would be extended to other sectors of the Nigerian economy so that the gains would be multifarious.

Kentebe who was relieved of his duties by President Muhammed Buhari on Monday last week alongside other 25 chief executives of federal agencies and parastatals, was appointed in May 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He succeeded the pioneer Executive Secretary, Dr. Ernest Nwapa who superintended over NCDMB from inception in April 2010 to May 2015.

Kentebe described his term as short, eventful and enlightening, noting that he has made new friends, siblings and even children. He thanked former President Jonathan for appointing him and commended President Buhari for retaining him in the position for a while.

He explained that he chose to continue with the personnel, policies and initiatives inherited from Dr. Nwapa’s era despite some pressure to change them, noting that the decision helped to address the apprehension of staff and skepticism of industry stakeholders and ensured that the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act continued unhindered.