The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged for a more vigorous implementation of local content policies to invigorate the nation’s economy, generate employment opportunities, and propel industrialisation.
This call was made during the 2025 annual workshop of the Nigerian Content Development Committee (NCDC) held on Thursday in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Domestic Business Development: Leveraging Local Content Principles for Sustainable Economic Growth,” aligns with NSE’s mission to contribute solutions to national challenges.
Keynote speaker Uche Okorie, a Fellow of the NSE and Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), defined local content in the context of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as the total composite value added or created within the Nigerian economy. This, he explained, is achieved through the use of Nigerian human and material resources for delivering goods and services to the petroleum industry.
“Essential components include the employment of local labour, local procurement, value-added manufacturing, capacity building, and technology transfer.
“Local content is not merely a form of nationalism; it must adhere to quality, safety, and environmental standards.
“While the concept originated in the oil and gas sector, its principles are applicable across various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, construction, and services.
“For Nigeria, local content signifies a shift from being primarily a consumer and importer of goods and services to becoming a producer, processor, and exporter,” he stated.
Mr Okorie asserted that local content remains a potent instrument for fostering sustainable growth if effectively applied across all sectors.
He noted that local content policies are vital for economic development as they ensure Nigerian companies are engaged in production, manufacturing, and services, thereby stimulating economic growth and alleviating unemployment.
He further highlighted that an emphasis on local content could facilitate the development of crucial infrastructure, particularly in engineering and construction, and create sustainable opportunities for skilled workers nationwide.
Despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, he explained that much of the country’s economic value is lost due to foreign dominance in supply chains and reliance on imports. He therefore called upon both the government and the private sector to prioritise Nigerian skills, materials, and enterprises in all procurement and project planning efforts.
“Local content is not nationalism for its own sake; it is a pragmatic approach to retaining value, building domestic capacity, and fostering innovation.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has already shown commitment through initiatives like the Nigeria First Procurement Policy; we must now extend this commitment across agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and construction,” he added.
Mr Okorie identified capacity building, access to finance, and technology transfer as critical enablers for local participation. He also called for stronger institutional oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
“Leveraging local content principles is a powerful means of bolstering Nigeria’s domestic business development and achieving sustainable economic growth,” he concluded.
To realise this vision, he stated that domestic firms should be empowered, procurement systems reformed, capacity enhanced, linkages established, and standards maintained.
Also addressing the workshop, NSE President and Chairman of the Council, Margaret Oguntala, noted the pivotal role of the NCDC as the think tank of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Mrs Oguntala, represented by Aluyah Dauda, Vice President of Professional Development, emphasised that the society is committed to advancing key objectives central to the growth of the profession and the nation’s development.
“These objectives include promoting local content participation, enhancing indigenous capacity, advocating for effective policy implementation, encouraging technology transfer, fostering collaboration, supporting economic development, and ensuring the highest professional standards in engineering practice.
“To date, the Society has made significant progress in these areas, and I commend the NCDC for its steadfast dedication and invaluable guidance to the NSE regarding local content development and the active participation of engineers and companies in engineering practice.”
Earlier, NCDC Chairman Nnanna Ukaegbu stated that the committee is responsible for identifying and compiling business opportunities for Nigerian engineers.
Mr Ukaegbu added that the NCDC plays a role in creating a conducive environment for investors to collaborate with engineering inventors and innovators, facilitating the commercialisation of their inventions within the framework of supportive government laws, policies, and guidelines.
“The Committee is aware of the current challenges in the Nigerian business landscape, particularly concerning the adoption and implementation of MDG goals on sustainability.
“Thus, we found it essential to have experts examine and promote opportunities available to Nigerian engineers.
“This year’s theme strategically aligns with the NSE President’s objectives. As engineers, we must strive to leave the world better than we found it,” he remarked.
(NAN)
