In a strategic call to industry stakeholders, Deputy General Manager, Nigerian Content, TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Cyprian Ojum, has emphasised that all operators, alliance partners and investors involved in any business transactions within the Nigerian oil and gas sector should prioritise the incorporation of local content as a fundamental aspect of management philosophy for sustained industry growth and socio-economic development.
Ojum made the call at a three-day sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum, Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN). He highlighted that TotalEnergies’ local content strategy aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Development Act of 2010, emphasizing the company’s commitment to adhering to the provisions outlined in the legislation.
“Local content as a composite value created or built in Nigeria at the end of any contract, what do you retain when you finish a contract, is the value rated in Nigeria or is the value exported?” he questioned.
TotalEnergies’ assertive stance underscores the pivotal role local content plays in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector.
Chairman of PETAN, Nicolas Odinuwe, called on the government and institutions to reconsider their actions and refrain from the unlawful diversion of local content development funds. He emphasised that the funds are not surplus or idle, stressing the importance of their dedicated use for local content development.
“The backbone of local content is community engagement and participation. Sustainable local content initiatives rely on active involvement from the local community to create, produce, and consume content that represents their interests and values. When the community takes ownership of the content creation process, it ensures authenticity, relevance, and a deeper connection to the environment,” Odinuwe said.
He also added that the association’s commitment to excellence extends beyond oil and gas, as they recognise the transformative power of African content and its ability to shape narratives, inspire change, and drive economic growth.
PETAN emphasized that local content serves as a platform for capacity building, enabling entrepreneurs to align with global business and trade standards. The association highlighted the continuous growth of productive capacities in services, food production and industry, attributing this progress to the consistent efforts of successive Nigerian governments in local content development and backward integration initiatives, coupled with the unwavering commitment of the private sector.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said that gas is not merely a transitional energy source but also strategically essential for realising a more secure energy future, emphasising that gas catalyzes achieving various national development goals.
Lokpobiri urged for cooperation to bolster ongoing government efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for gas in Nigeria and the ample opportunities within the sector for all participants.
