Tambuwal Urges Local Content Act Implementation

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on all stakeholders to ensure that the local content Development Act is fully implemented as a means to trigger industrial revolution in Nigeria.

Alhaji Tambuwal gave the charge while speaking at  a two-day summit organized by the House of Representatives Committee on local content at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, within the theme; “Operationalising a Development Agenda for Local content”.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Leo Ogoh, said the committee has a mandate to oversee and expand the dreams of the pioneers of the Act, for the full benefits of Nigerians.

He assured that the House will exert its legislative vigilance to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the Act, especially in the monitoring of revenues that are generated through its implementation, and the education of Nigerian on the importance of the Act.

In his opening remarks, the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Local content, Hon Asita Honourable Asita, expressed satisfaction over the turn out of participants at the summit.

He noted “the successful implementation of the Act depends on the effective monitoring of the process by all stakeholders”.

Hon Asita assured that the committee will not loose touch with the process of amendment and expansion of the Act to achieve its intended vision and objectives.

In her keynoted address, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison Madueke Commended the National Assembly on the passage of the Act as a means of promoting indigenous participation in the Nigeria oil and gas industry.

The minister, who described the Act as “a tool for industrialization in Nigeria”, said when fully implemented, it will lead to generation of jobs for Nigerians though capacity development.

The minister, who was represented by the Executive Secretary Nigerian Content Development

and Monitoring Board, Engr. Ernest nwapa, said the act was not intended to scare foreign firms, but to “stimulate genuine collaboration between local and international partners through the creation of a level playing ground”.

She explained that the Act was not restricted to the oil and gas industry but applicable to all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Addressing the Summit, the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, thanked the committee for the choice of Port Harcourt as the venue.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, decried the lack of active participation of Rivers people in the oil and gas industry, despite the enormous contributions of the state to the oil sector.

Governor Amaechi called for amendment of existing laws to ensure active participation of Rivers State in the oil sector, noting that such development will lead to the creation of wealth and employment opportunities in the state.

Taneh Beemene