Why Nigerians Should Support Local Content Drive… Hon. Ekon

Hon.Ekon

Ekon Emmanuel yesterday marks the first familiarization of members of committee on Local Content. The chairman of the committee, Hon. Emmanuel Ekon welcomed other committee members to the meeting held at the House of Representatives hearing room. Hon Ekon was very happy to acquaint members of the potential embedded in the Local Content committee for the development of Nigerians.

The 7th National Assembly initiated the Bill and was passed into law in 2010 by the former President Goodluck Jonathan. Local Content. Bill encourages local and indigenous players to be directly involved in building and maintaining our industries for national growth and stability.

Responding to questions on what the Local Content is all about? The well experienced Chairman Hon. Ekon says “The local content was initiated by 7th National Assembly to ensures indigenes contribute to the growth of our economy rather than always depend on western world for everything we need. “Am aware, that so many Nigerians do not know what Local Content is all about. 

Local content is a situation whereby Nigerians are trained to do those works and services we are deficient in, that is required by our multinational companies instead of foreigners being invited to do them. He further states “today you have multinational companies like Shell, Exxon Mobile and others having their MD’s and directors as Nigerians, in the past, it was never so, we have foreigner as MD’s. Before now, no Nigerian owned vessels, but now, so many Nigerians own vessels that fairies these goods to where they are sold.

Whenever we want repairs in oil and gas industry, expatriate are flew into the country to do    maintenance or repairs, without transferring the technical know-how to our indigenous players.

Today, the case as changed, we have our indigenes taken charge and serving as professionals in all capacities and also as artisans as plumbers, carpenters, electricians and mechanics which before was against the law” Today, Nigerians are encouraged to do all these things by themselves.

To me, this is a great gain. What we started in the 7th National Assembly could be built upon to achieve more gains for our dear country in this 8th Assembly. The Law also says that for any contract to be awarded by IOCs, Nigerians should be given the first chance before others are considered.

But in a case where an expatriate are invited, two Nigerians must be made to understudy them to have the knowledge transferred to Nigerians.

Other members of the committee that were in attendance including the Vice Chairman Hon. Hassan Saleh who all showered encomium on the Chairman for his foresight and clear cut vision for the committee. Other members all promised to give their full support to ensure Nigerians feels the impact of their stewardship.

Hon.Nkiruka Onyejeocha during the event.

Hon. Saleh and Hon. Ekon

Hon. Emmanuel Ekon is a native of Akwa Ibom from Abak/ Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency. He is a two timer in the House of Representative. He is a dedicated Legislator who has chosen lawmaking as his own contribution to the wellbeing of his people and Nigerians.

 A member of People Democratic Party (PDP) during his first sojourn in the National Assembly, he was actively involved in laudable activities that ensure the outstanding performance of the 7th Assembly. He is said to be square pegs in a round hole by his appointment as the Chairman on Local Content in the 8th National Assembly. 

The soft spoken Ekon says “To me, the Local Content Bill is the best Bill that has ever been passed by the House of Representatives”. He is an accomplished entrepreneur of international status as the President/CEO of Outreach Medical Services, USA as well as the CEO of E&E Consultancy Nigeria Limited, before he veered into active politics in 2010 into politics that brought him to the National Assembly to date.

On what he wishes Nigerians, Ekon appeal to all Nigerians to please support the parliament to make this initiative on Local Content drive succeed, as this will create more employment, encourage specialization and make us less dependent on foreign help.

 “This law is made for the benefit of Nigerians not the Koreans, Chinas and the Lebanese so we all can rejoice that the parliament of this country did the right thing; Local contractors should always honour our invitation any time we call for information clarification. 

We are not out to witch-hunt anybody or institutions” he says. We all must respect the laws of Nigeria.