NCDMB unfolds rules on community engagement

Targets 2,000 jobs from oil parks

The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has developed a community content guideline in its bid to provide pragmatic steps for incorporating and engaging community contractors as a critical delivery point for Nigerian content development.

Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State at a workshop for energy communication experts, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Simbi Wabote, explained that the guideline was borne out of the necessity to boost peace and security in the Niger Delta and address the lingering squabbles between host communities, operators and service companies over participation in oil and gas activities.

Wabote insisted that the guideline is in line with 30 per cent of business opportunities from operating companies to communities’ aspect of the Petroleum Industry Roadmap.

The NCDMB boss highlighted that the Board already aligned its capacity development initiatives to support the delivery of the aspirations encapsulated in the Petroleum Industry Roadmap.

He hinted that cogent steps have also been taken to streamline the contracting circle to aid project execution. He explained: “When I assumed office I took on the lingering issue of protracted contracting cycle in the industry. With support from my team we have put in place internal performance measures to fast track the contract processing time from NCDMB’s end. We have committed to specific timelines for review of Nigerian Content plans, technical & commercial evaluation and issuance of Nigerian Content certificates.

It is my believe that other agencies involved in the contracting cycle are working on their internal processes so that we can collectively work together to reduce the protracted contracting cycle, which has been identified as the main cause of the high cost per barrel of Nigerian crude in comparism to other OPEC countries. It will also help revitalize the tempo of Nigerian Content implementation as investors begin to develop more confidence in the Nigerian business environment.

With the inauguration of the governing council of the Board, Wabote said the calibre of people needed to deliver on the Board’s mandate is now fully in place.

“With the Council in place and the calibre of members of the Governing Council, the Board is well positioned to fast track implementation of its flagship projects, like the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS), Polaku Pipemill and accelerated disbursement of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) to deserving oil and gas service companies,” he said.

He added that the joint committee of NCDMB and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) would boost the capacity of Nigeria to build ships in-country.

He added: “The committee’s work is to ensure that Nigerians take full advantage of opportunities in the marine services sector of the oil and gas industry. Often times, government policies fail because of overlapping functions and territorial rivalries between agencies. This committee provides a platform for both agencies to collaborate and achieve capital retention and in-country value addition in the marine sector of the oil and gas industry.”

The NCDMB boss revealed that about 2,000 jobs are expected to be created when the five oil and gas park become fully operational. The five parks oil and gas parks are located in Ogbia, Bayelsa State; Oguta in Imo State; Okoyong in Cross Rivers State and Ikwe-Odio in Akwa Ibom.