The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded a capacity building workshop for members of the Bayelsa State Judiciary to educate them on the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010.
The workshop titled ‘Philosophy and the Imperatives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010’ was held recently in Yenagoa.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote stated that members of the Bar and the Bench are critical stakeholders who contribute to the success to the Board’s, with particular respect to the interpretation of laws and regulations underpinning Nigerian Content as well as in the adjudication of disputes arising out of its implementation.
He pointed that development of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas sector is a crucial national program which the Federal Government of Nigeria put in place to promote in-country value addition, capital retention, participation of more Nigerians in the sector, and to drive industrialization and economic growth.
Giving reasons why the Board organized the workshop, Wabote said “this workshop seeks to drive home the importance and the sense of urgency, which the enactment of the NOGICD Act 2010 signifies for the future of Nigerians and the Nigerian economy through Nigerian Content practice.”
The NCDMB boss further stressed that adjudication is vital responsibility that demands broad knowledge and understanding of relevant government programs, the local content program and regulation in the oil and gas industry by the Bar and the Bench who serve as Ministers in the Temple of Justice. “NBA members and Judges in the state also deserve to be acquainted with the extant Nigerian Content Regime, and what NCDMB does as both a regulator and local content developer in the Nigerian oil and gas industry” Wabote noted.
The Executive Secretary said the Board had extended support the Bayelsa state judiciary. In his words,” in appreciation of the important work the state judiciary is doing to promote the Rule of Law in the state, we have completed a contract of E-Library installation for the State High Courts, equipped with computers, internet subscription and other required facilities to automate judicial processes and enhance the efficiency of the justice system.
In her presentation on role of the courts in attaining the objectives of the NOGICD Act 2010, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Kate Abiri commended the Board for organizing the workshop. She noted that the judiciary required detailed knowledge of the NOGICD Act to perform their interpretative role of the law without bias. The Chief Judge assured the Board of the Courts’ readiness to play its Constitutional role towards attaining the objectives of the NOGICD Act.
In his opening remarks, the Head, Legal Directorate of the Board, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh charged members of the judiciary to embrace the opportunities provided for the legal profession by the NOGICD Act. He called on the Bar and other stakeholders to support the Board to succeed in achieving the implementation and enforcement of the Act.
The workshop drew participants form the various courts within Bayelsa State and presentation were made by experts from across the country as well as heads of various directorates of the Board.
