Nigerian content: Cheers for Addax, jeers for Hyundai

Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited (APDNL) rolled out the drums on Wednesday in celebration of the Nigerian Content Act at four.

At a very colourful African-flavoured ceremony at the company’s head office in Lagos, Addax was adjudged Nigerian Content compliant, affirmed by General Manager, Projects and Operations of the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), Paul Zuhumbam.

Cor Zegelaar, managing director of Addax, revealed that the theme Nigerian Content: Taking Ownership, Adding Value was chosen to emphasize individual responsibility towards the realization of the Nigerian Content goals.

Popular comedian Julius Agwu and songster Waje were on hand to entertain at the event. There was also presentation of awards for Best Nigerian Outfit Male and Female, and a raffle draw for members of staff.

Also present at the event were representatives of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Meanwhile, following the violation of the Nigerian Content Act by a Korean contractor, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), in the execution of Ofon-2 Project, Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited said it has directed the Korean firm to ensure full compliance with all applicable provisions of the law.

HHI is the contractor on the Ofon-2 Project, a joint venture between NNPC and Total.

The NCDMB recently accused HHI of violating the law in the execution of the project, and banned it from bidding for oil and gas projects in Nigeria.

The agency accused the contractor of gross violations of Sections 28, 33 and 41 (2) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, and of deploying non-compliant assets and expatriates on the project.

But Total said it had directed HHI to significantly review the manning ratios to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law.

Total also expressed commitment to working with NCDMB and its contractors to increase local capacity and train workers for upcoming projects in Nigeria.