The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has demanded full compliance with Nigeria’s Local Content laws across both the oil and gas and non-oil sectors, warning that defaulters will face strict sanctions.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Thomas said the Committee is currently reviewing multiple complaints from local operators who alleged poor adherence to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGIC) Act of 2010, Presidential Executive Order No. 5 of 2018 and the Nigeria First Policy (2025).
“All stakeholders are expected to ensure strict compliance with Local Content laws and regulations in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
According to him, many of the petitions submitted concern failures in contract awards, project execution, human capital development, and technology transfer, areas critical to Nigeria’s quest for industrial growth and self-reliance.
“The Committee is now investigating delayed progress in local capacity development for fabrication, marine operations, and engineering; underinvestment in job creation and workforce training; and a general pattern of missed opportunities for domestic technological advancement.
“We have noted with concern the slow pace of implementation and enforcement of Local Content policies, which has placed Nigeria at a disadvantage. These practices undermine our ability to create jobs, build competitive industries, and retain value within the country,” Thomas said.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.
He stated that a comprehensive review is underway of all current waivers, content plans, and compliance frameworks.
Thomas stated further that the committee would engage with relevant agencies and private companies to assess the impact of these lapses and would not hesitate to enforce sanctions where negligence or complicity is established.
He also called on the public, local contractors, and industry stakeholders to report any suspected breaches of Local Content regulations.
