NCDMB moves to enforce R&D components in industries

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote, said the board would henceforth,  enforce and monitor effectively the research and development component of projects in the oil and gas industry.

Wabote said that operating companies spend huge amount of money yearly on most of their Research and Development  (R&D) regretting that, the funds spend on R &D by the industry is made outside Nigeria with attendant result on huge capital flight and loss of opportunities to grow indigenous capacity.

Wabote stated this at the 2017 Nigerian Content Activities organised  by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), in Port Harcourt .

Represented by the Director ,Planning, Research and Statistics, Oba Patrick, the NCDMB boss said, already the team has been directed to include research and development activities in the human capacity development plans, adding that the move with the Board’s intervention strategies would help reverse capital flight,  localise technology,  grow local capacity and create employment.

He added:  “ It would also promote in-country speed, increase indigenous ownership and spur inclusive economic growth in the long run.

Wabote however, called on operators, service companies and indigenous companies to take advantage of the research and development opportunities by NAOC, to partner and collaborate with academia in a bid to grow the indigenous technology.

He commended NAOC for their support to the Nigeria Local content initiative, especially, on the practical sea time internship, sea fearers training among others.

Similarly, the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, canvased for the utilisation of raw materials available in the country during production processes.

The Minster who also spoke at the event, noted that the utilisation of natural resources will create jobs and reduce poverty in the country.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has signed a pact with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to grow the nation’s content and its conomy .

The agreement was signed at the event. The Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAOC, Massimo Insulla, noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAN would foster mutual cooperation to grow Nigeria content , encourage manufacturing and give the sector a boost.