....we can produce enough fuel to supply the West African region and the entire Africa - Lokpobiri
...the board had achieved 56 per cent in Nigerian Content implementation level in 2024 compared to 26 per cent in 2016 - Ogbe
Emmanuel Oduara
At the 13th Practical Nigeria Content (PNC) which opens organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, 02 Tuesday December 2024.
PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our rich resources, a shared vision for Nigerian content through purposeful investments and amidst onshore divestments, increased investors appetite for cleaner energy transformative strategies.
To meet the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, Nigeria will continue to produce fossil fuels, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has stated in his speech.
The theme of the practical forum, ‘Deepening the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation’, The Minister pointed out that no country in the world is ready to stop the production of fossil fuels as long there's still a market for it.
"He said, even a nation that champions energy transition like the United Kingdom awarded over 100 licences to companies to continue crude oil exploration.
“All the nations that say we should stop the production of fossil fuel, we will never stop the production in Nigeria; no country in the world will stop it, he noted,'
*America is the highest producer of fossil fuels, so why should we stop? Those who are telling us to stop are themselves not stopping, so we should know that it is about politics.
“Just in 2023, the United Kingdom contributed 4.8 per cent of global emissions, higher than the entire OPEC countries put together. The entire African continent together contributes about three per cent, but the UK contributes 4.8 per cent, and they gave over 100 licences to new companies for new exploration.
"He however challenged the industry players, with the emergence of the Trump Presidency, the price of oil may be battered. What I want us to do is to increase our production. Africa already has enough market, we can produce enough fuel to supply the West African region and the entire Africa, but our biggest challenge has to do with funding.”
The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,urged participants at the forum to move beyond dialogue to implementation with a view to ensuring that the outcomes of the conference, to bring meaningful change in the oil and gas industry.
He said, “Leveraging technology and empowering local talent will create a vibrant ecosystem that promotes creativity, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.”
"Gov. Ewhrudjakpo commended NCDMB for their leadership and commitment to advancing Nigerian Content, “Bayelsa remains steadfast in its collaboration with the NCDMB and other credible partners across various sectors such as energy, agriculture, healthcare and tourism which align with the state’s ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.
"As we build resilient and sustainable frameworks that enable communities to actively participate in emerging sectors, particularly the digital economy. This will ensure shared prosperity and a future where no one is left behind, he mentioned,'
“Together, we can redefine the landscape of Nigerian content implementation. By fostering innovation, inclusivity, and strategic partnerships, we can unlock new frontiers for growth and sustainable development.”
In his speech, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, called on local businesses in the country to invest in Compressed Natural Gas, saying gas will be the mainstay of the economy after the energy transition.
“Gas will be the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy shift, and we are giving local businesses a chance to engage in gas distribution, processing and power generation. The probable replacement for PMS has been determined to be natural gas in the form of CNG, he noted,'
“He however mentioned that this administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing local content as a cornerstone of our energy strategy. Together, we have the opportunity to build an energy industry that empowers Nigerians, strengthens our economy and contributes to a sustainable future.”
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, highlighted some of the milestones achieved in the last 7 years including the commissioning of the new library at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company and other joint partners.
Others include the commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering and injection facility in Delta State, the commissioning of 150 LPG in Kaduna State as well as the inauguration of the gas leak detection facility in Abuja as some of the achievements recorded.
"Ogbe, however noted that, the board had achieved 56 per cent in Nigerian Content implementation level in 2024 compared to 26 per cent in 2016,'
Ogbe cited some achievements of the board including the commissioning of Amal Technologies in Idu, Abuja and the Kwale Gas Gathering facility in Delta State; approval of 312 Nigerian Content Plans and the issuance of 402 Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates amongst others.
In his goodwill message, Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim of the African Energy Bank said Africa should not be deterred by the global energy transition to renewable energy and that the objective of establishing the bank was to continue to fund investments in oil and gas.
The NNPC Ltd. reiterated its commitment to advancing local content development in Nigeria's energy sector and drive sustainable growth of the industry.
This commitment was made by the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, Mallam Mele Kyari at the Forum.
Kyari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udobong Ntia emphasized the significance of the PNC Forum as a unique opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on progress, share best practices and identify strategic opportunities for growth.
He noted that the landmark Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 had ushered in a transformative era for local businesses, positioning them to compete on a global scale.
The GCEO further emphasised the importance of fostering local capabilities, embracing advanced technologies, and nurturing partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Highlighting the ongoing commitment of NNPC Limited to local content, Kyari referenced the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, stressing that it was a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to prioritizing local content as a key element of national strategy.
“This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy," Kyari added.
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