Senate: Partnership With NCDMB Will Help Us Achieve Our Mandate-Senator Thomas Declares
By Our Reporter
Abuja (Core Reporters) As members of the Senate Committee on Local Content brace up for a new challenge under a new leadership, a partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) has been identified by the Committee as a veritable platform for the committee in achieving its aims.
This was revealed on Wednesday during the committee’s inaugural’s meeting at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The committee chairman, Senator Joel – Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, while delivering his address at the inaugural sitting said his committee will partner with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) to actualize the implementation of its functions.
Senator Thomas, who took over the leadership of the committee from his predecesaor embattled SenatorNatasha Akpoti – Uduaghan ( Kogi Central) said NCDMB will serve a veritable platform for the committee in achieving its aims which are stated in order 96 of the Senate Standing rules .
Accordingto 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.
“Specifically, the jurisdiction of the Committee shall include:(i)Nigerian Content Development (ii). Monitoring Board (NCDMB), ( iii) Matters relating to local capacity development, ( iv) Transfer of technology in oil and gas industries, (v) Matters of local content and transfer of technology in other mature industries such as construction, power, railway, ICT etc, ( vi) Issues relating to the patronage of local manpower, ( vii) Receiving annual performance report of the Nigerian Local Content; and (viii) Annual budget estimates.
“The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plays a vital role in achieving these aims.
“Therefore , collaboration between this committee and NCDMB is essential as we will work closely with NCDMB to ensure that the provisions of the NOGICD Act are implemented effectively.
“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. In addition to our collaboration with the Board, we will engage with other stakeholders including operators, service providers and local businesses.
“The committee will create an enabling environment that fosters growth of local businesses and promote job creation,” he said.
Core Reporters report that the committee hasd resolved to embark on an oversight visit to NCDMB’s head office in Yenagoa , Bayelsa State from Wednesday to Friday next week .
