By Ayomide Otitoju
Speaking at a panel session on “Exportation of Local Capacity: Maximising Regional Opportunities” at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja, Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi emphasized the need for projects to be awarded to companies with proven capabilities in order to grow local capacity.
He pointed out that while Nigeria possesses the potential to become a net exporter of oil and gas services to other African countries, it is essential to address the factors limiting domestic growth.
“We can export the capacity in the oil and gas industry to other countries, but this requires us to ensure that Nigerian companies are better developed and have entrenched capacities in terms of human resources, experience, capital, and equipment,” Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi stated.
He commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its efforts but highlighted setbacks in the enforcement of laws designed to protect local companies. Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi criticized the current bidding process, which often favors the lowest bidders regardless of their qualifications.
“One of the reasons local companies struggle is due to a flawed bidding process that awards contracts to the lowest bidders, many of whom are underqualified and lack capacity. These contractors often secure jobs through connections and submit unsustainably low bids. This needs to be addressed,” he added.
