Manufacturers laud Agip over LC initiative as PETAN advocates patronage

LOCAL contractors have the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) for sustaining its local content initiative geared at assisting industries in boosting productivity.

Some of the contractors, including Topline Pipeline and Process Engineers, Elshcon Nigerian Limited, Lamesco Limited among others, gave the commendation yesterday during the oil firm’s vendors’ exhibition in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Spokesman of Topline Engineers, Opeyi Ounsanya, said, the initiative has enabled the firm to carry out hottap jobs without any record of accident and as well, empowered several Nigerians.

Meanwhile, The Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria ( PETAN), Emeka Ene, have advocated for patronage of local companies who have proven records.

Ene who spoke at the vendors Exhibition event, argued that Value added local content reduces cost.

He explained that, for major projects to succeed in a low oil price enviroment, cost must be considered.

Ene said, “ there are 100 of proven Nigeria companies who have been working, who are experienced and willing to do the works, foreign companies does at a very competitive price, so it makes sense that these companies be given proper priorities within the context of Local Content act”

“For major projects to work within a 40 dollar per barrel of oil, you must include proven Nigerian companies to do the work, it makes common sense because, it cost more to bring in foreigners to do works here”.

He called for more focus on Nigerian companies ,noting that it would not only create employment, generate revenue but would rapidly improve the economy .

Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NOAC, Massimo Insulla,said, the company has continued to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the NOGICD Act by issuing internal guidelines that makes it mandatory for all departments involved in the contracting processes to liaise with its Nigeria Content department in order to cross check full adherence to the provision of the Act.