Mele Kyari: NNPC will advance local content development in oil sector

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, says the oil firm is committed to advancing local content development in Nigeria’s energy sector and driving sustainable growth of the industry.

Kyari made the commitment at the ongoing 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

The GCEO, who was represented by Udobong Ntia, executive vice-president, upstream, emphasised the importance of the PNC Forum as a unique opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on progress, exchange best practices, and identify strategic opportunities for growth.

He said 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 PNC has spawned several initiatives to address stakeholder concerns and maximize the benefits of our rich resources. We have a shared responsibility to empower local firms and drive innovation to ensure a robust oil and gas sector that meets both local and global demands,” Kyari said.

The GCEO further emphasised the importance of fostering local capabilities, embracing advanced technologies, and promoting partnerships to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

Highlighting the ongoing commitment of NNPC to local content, Kyari cited the recent presidential directive on local content compliance requirements for 2024, stressing that it was a testament to the federal government’s commitment to prioritising 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.

He said the theme for this year’s PNC forum, “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” highlights the collective goal of advancing local content across the energy sector.

Kyari also detailed NNPC’s strategic efforts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local firms, including the restructuring of the NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd. (NEPL) and the positioning of the NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Ltd (NETCO) as a full-scale engineering company.

He encouraged participants at the conference to engage actively, share ideas, and create connections that would accelerate the journey towards energy sufficiency in Nigeria.

Kyari said stakeholders can work together to cultivate a vibrant local content ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians.