BORDERLESS has applauded Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerian Content development, particularly the recent signing of Executive Order 5, by President Muhammadu Buhari, to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.
The order is also aimed to promote the transfer of skills and technology where there exists a gap within Nigeria.
In a statement by the Founder and Chairman of Borderless, Tunde Kusamotu, Esq, and made available to our reporter on Wednesday, it also commended steps taken by the National Assembly in seeking to amend the Nigerian Content Act, to give it greater bite.
“However, In a 2016 survey conducted by Borderless, it was the opinion of indigenous companies that the effective implementation of Nigerian Content rules remains the missing link its chain of success. Bridging this gap will require the demonstration of the necessary political will by ensuring greater transparency in the implementation process, greater public participation through access to information, and the involvement of critical stakeholders in the Civil society through performance monitoring.
“It is noteworthy that in spite of the President being the Defacto Minister for Petroleum and Chairman Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (hereinafter known as ‘The Board’), Borderless is at present in court against The Board and the Attorney General of the Federation, seeking information on the Level of Compliance by International Oil Companies (IOCs) with the Nigerian Content Oil and Gas Development Act,” it stated.
It said the Courts had previously advised both the Attorney General of the Federation and the Board to ensure that the information is made available.
“Whilst all the efforts on the part of the Executive and Legislature are laudable, it is the position of Borderless that Nigerian Content will achieve greater success through a more robust implementation regime, requiring greater transparency,” it concluded.
Borderless is a Nigerian Content NGO established in 2011, with the mandate to promote the full implementation of the Nigerian content law, through advocacy, litigation, publication and research, monitoring; and to promote the development of Nigerian capacity, expertise through transfer of technology/skills , by promoting the linkage of cross-border commercial access.