By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is advancing its operations through a strategic restructuring of key units, aimed at increasing oil production and bolstering indigenous capacity within the sector.
As part of its ongoing development, NNPCL has maintained initiatives focused on enhancing the capabilities of local firms, a critical component of the company’s long-term strategy. Key to this restructuring is the transformation of NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd (NEPL), alongside the repositioning of NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO) Ltd to operate as a full-scale engineering company.
Speaking at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr. Udobong Ntia, highlighted the significance of the forum as a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange best practices, and identify growth opportunities.
Kyari underscored the transformative impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which has empowered local businesses to compete on the global stage. “The PNC has spurred initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our resources. We share a responsibility to empower local firms and drive innovation, ensuring a robust oil and gas sector that meets both local and global demands,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of fostering local capabilities, adopting advanced technologies, and building partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Kyari further highlighted the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024, emphasizing it as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing local content as a national strategy. “This directive should reinforce our collective commitment to the local content strategy,” he added.
This year’s PNC Forum, themed “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” is focused on advancing local content in the energy sector. Kyari encouraged participants to actively engage, share insights, and build connections that will accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward energy sufficiency.
The PNC Forum, hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), remains a key platform for advancing local content development across Nigeria’s energy sector.
