The Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content Senator Joel- Onowakpo Thomas has revealed that the Committee will work closely with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to ensure that the mandate of the committee is effectively implemented.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas from Delta South made this know in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the committee.
According to him, “The mandate of this committee as stipulated in order 96 of the Senate standing orders 2023 as amended is clear and unambiguous which is to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from the country’s natural resources.
“The jurisdiction of the Committee shall include: Nigerian Content Development; Monitoring Board; Matters relating to local capacity development, and Transfer of technology in oil and gas industries.
“It shall also include Matters of local content and transfer of technology in other mature industries such as construction, power, railway, ICT etc; Issues relating to the patronage of local manpower; Receiving annual performance report of the Nigerian Local Content; and Annual budget estimates.
In his words, “The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plays a vital role in achieving these aims.
“The Committee will not only provide oversight, but it will also support the Board in its efforts to develop and implement policies that promote Local content development.
The senator disclosed that aside from collaboration with the Board, the committee will also engage with other stakeholders including operators, service providers and local businesses.
He also said the committee will create an enabling environment for businesses to strive and promote job creation.”
The members at the end of the meeting agreed to embark on an oversight visit to NCDMB’s head office in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State from Wednesday to Friday next week.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo took over from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representative from Kogi Central before she was appointed as the Chairman, Committee on the Diaspora and Non-governmental organisations.
