Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has urged all parties to fully abide by Nigeria’s Local Content laws, warning that defaulters will be subject to severe sanctions.
According to Thomas, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Committee is currently reviewing numerous complaints from local businesses alleging poor compliance with Presidential Executive Order No. 10/2014’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIC) Act. 5 of 2018 and the Nigeria First Policy (2025).
According to him, “all stakeholders are expected to ensure strict compliance with Local Content laws and regulations in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He claims that many of the petitions raised concern failures in Nigeria’s efforts to grow its economy and become self-sufficient in terms of contract awards, project execution, human capital development, and technology transfer.
The Committee is currently looking into underinvestment in workforce development, underemployment, and a general pattern of missed opportunities for domestic technological advancement, as well as the delayed progress being made in local capacity building for fabrication, marine operations, and engineering.
We’re concerned about Nigeria’s disadvantage as a result of the slow pace at which local content policies are implemented and enforced. These behaviors, according to Thomas, impair our ability to create jobs, establish competitive industries, and maintain value in the nation.
He claimed that all current content plans, compliance frameworks, and waivers are being thoroughly reviewed in progress.  ,
Further, Thomas added that the committee would consult with relevant organizations and private companies to assess the effects of these errors and wouldn’t hesitate to impose penalties for errors or complicity.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply