Niger Delta Youth Leaders have called on oil prospecting companies in the region, especially, Chevron, not to give jobs that Nigerians can do to foreigners, saying such an action is contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Speaking through their Spokesperson, Comrade Faith Gere, in a statement on Monday, they said they took exception to the decision by Chevron to employ an expatriate to head its Procurement Unit, adding that there are many Nigerian professionals who could do such a job.
“The Niger Delta Youth Leaders express deep concern over recent developments within Chevron’s procurement operations, particularly the reported appointment of a foreign national to a procurement management role that was previously occupied by a Nigerian, there are many professional Nigerian employees eminently qualified to occupy the role.
“We believe that such decisions undermine the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which was enacted to promote indigenous participation, build local capacity, and create employment opportunities for Nigerians within the oil and gas industry.
“Furthermore, we strongly oppose the reported shift in procurement delivery terms from Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) to Free Carrier (FCA). We are concerned that this change may significantly disadvantaged Nigerian manufacturers and suppliers who have invested heavily over the years in developing local capacity in the production and supply of pipes, valves, bolts, fittings, and other critical oil and gas equipment.
“Many indigenous companies have committed substantial resources to establishing manufacturing facilities, developing technical expertise, creating employment, and complying with Nigerian local content requirements. A procurement framework that favours FCA arrangements could expose these local businesses to unfair competition from foreign suppliers with lower operating costs, potentially reversing years of progress made in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
“We therefore respectfully call on Chevron to: Review the appointment of any foreign national occupying a role for which suitably qualified Nigerians are available, in line with the objectives of Nigerian local content legislation.
“Reconsider the implementation of FCA procurement arrangements and restore the DDP model where appropriate to ensure a level playing field for indigenous suppliers.
“Engage with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), relevant government agencies, indigenous manufacturers, and key industry stakeholders before implementing procurement policies that could materially affect local content development.
“Reaffirm Chevron’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the country’s industrial and economic development.”
The group added that they remained committed to constructive engagement with Chevron and all stakeholders.
“Our objective is not confrontation but the protection of Nigerian jobs, indigenous investments, and the continued advancement of Federal Government’s local content policy.
“We urge Chevron to act promptly to address these concerns in the interest of fairness, sustainable economic development, and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
