The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has inaugurated a committee constituted by its personnel and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The intent is to forge close collaborations in the management of expatriate quota (EQ) and grow Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry sustainably.
The committee was inaugurated on Monday at the NCDMB Abuja liaison office, with a brief to share information and recommend sanction levels for violators of expatriate quota approvals. Part of the committee’s terms of reference is also to develop strategies for the issuance of Temporary Work Permit (TIP) and stemming of EQ abuse by oil and gas companies.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote cited the successful integration of the Egina FPSO at the SHI-MCI Yard in Lagos and retention of 28 percent of the US $20bn annual oil industry spend as some of the major success stories of the Board.
Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Akintunde Adelana, represented the Executive Secretary at the event and charged members of the committee to work speedily to deliver on the terms of reference.
The Director, Citizenship and Business, FMI, Mrs. Aisha Rufai commended the Board for creating the opportunity for collaboration and assured of the Ministry’s full support to the effective management of expatriate quota in the oil and gas industry.
The Assistant Comptroller General, Visa and Entry Permit, NIS, Mrs. C.A Dibi explained that the agency carries out expatriate quota monitoring from the point of arrival through the point of departure. She added that the NIS carries out periodic investigations to ensure that Nigerians actually understudy expatriates.
Mr. Adelana will serve as the chairman of the committee, Mrs. Rufai as the alternate and Mrs. Dibi as the deputy chairman.
Other members of the committee from the NCDMB include Ms. Tassalla Tersugh, Secretary of the committee, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Mr. Ene Ette and Mr. Erefa Samson.
Representatives from the FMI are Mrs. Onuba Amaka, Mr. Sabastine Nalok and Mr. Sabastine Zoemlong. The NIS will be represented by Mr. Musa Abubakar and Mr. A.A Okafor.
