Dorman Long renews commitment to local content development

Dorman Long Engineering has acquired enough capacity to generate 40,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, according to the Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering, Dr Timi Austen-Peters.

Austen-Peters made this disclosure during the visit of members of the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content to the company’s head office in Lagos.

Welcoming members of the committee, he expressed the company’s commitment to development of skills, technology transfer and capacity building.Austen-Peters also said that the company gives priority to domestication of spending and reducing need for scarce forex. “Other areas, which we focus on is long term cost reduction; national self reliance – a self reliant economy exudes confidence; and national security – a self reliant economy secures the future of her people and ensures independence of a vital sector.

The courtesy visit led by the Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Emmanuel Ekon and 13 members of his team was aimed at further reinforcing their commitment to support local companies in achieving their long-term objectives.

Members of the House of Representatives were impressed with the achievements and facilities of Dorman Long and the Chairman of the Committee Honourable
Ekon commended Dorman Long team for their hospitality and strong commitment to building and sustaining local content in this country.

He stated: “We have witnessed the immense work you are currently doing on the Egina Project amongst others. We are delighted to see a local company that is significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Your presentation on the industry insight and challenges has been impactful and well received. We have also noted the gaps in the industry and we will ensure we address them.

As a committee, we will discuss further to see how we can collectively build the capacity of this industry. However, I encourage your association, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), to share a more holistic list of industry requirements that would allow your organisations meet their objectives. Our members are keen to build a good relationship with your association and of course we are here to support and to work with you.”

Austen-Peters thanked the Chairman for his words of encouragement and assured the team of Dorman Long’s commitment to Nigeria, “There’s no doubt that we are partners in progress and we would like to reassure you that we have extensive plans that will be strongly beneficial to Nigeria’s socio-economic climate. Our expansion plan will see significant job creation, skills and technology transfer, as well as capacity building.”