Local Content: Kachikwu inaugurates research council

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has inaugurated the Nigerian Content Research and Development Council.

The council is expected to advise the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on matters relating to research, development and innovation strategy for the oil and gas industry, according to a statement from the NCDMB.

It said the council’s terms of reference “are to advise the board on criteria and methodology for prioritising market cum demand-driven research projects; advise the board on the appropriate strategies and governance arrangements to attract funding for research projects; and advise the board on criteria for the award of research grants and review progress on impact of such grants on research projects, product development and innovation.”

Kachikwu commended the NCDMB for accomplishing the commitment it made at the 2017 Research and Development Fair, describing the R&D council as a timely innovation that would deepen the achievements recorded in Nigerian Content implementation.

He charged the members to deliver on their mandate, which it said would help redress the fallings of the oil and gas sector to the Nigerian economy.

The minister said, “After 50 years, we still cannot refine enough petroleum products and we cannot provide enough electricity for our 190 million populace. In the eyes of the general public, oil is failing the country. Some of the bold steps the NCDMB is taking to create research and create focus will internalise growth and development.”

According to him, the NCDMB is focused on increasing Nigerian participation in oil and gas projects and engendering business opportunities locally.

“The new NCDMB is more dynamic and focused, to a point where the National Assembly is now considering whether local content should be implemented across sectors because of the success we have brought to the oil and gas industry. Even the world, especially African countries have taken notice,” Kachikwu said.

The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, explained that the framework of the board’s research and development provided that all research topics or thematic areas must be based on industry challenge or needs.

Wabote said, “The board will be more involved in applied research to give room for product development and would encourage prototype development of products.

“The board would be involved as well as encourage commercialisation of products or research endeavours. The board would ensure that every product that is commercialised at the back of oil and gas activities is accepted and utilised.”

According to the statement, the NCRDC is chaired by Wabote, with Mr Patrick Olimna, representing the Oil Producers Trade Section; Mr Uzochi Nwagwu, representing the Petroleum Contractors Trade Section; Dr S.B. Ramon Yusuf from the National Universities Commission and Mr Isa Maikanma from the National Board for Technology Incubation, as members.

Other members are Dr John Erinne, representing the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria; Mr Dele Aikihonbare, representing the Independent Petroleum Producers Group and Mr Tandama Abu from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion.