Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has cautioned international oil companies, service providers, and regulators that Nigeria is entering a new era of strict enforcement of local content laws.
Speaking at the 14th Annual Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Delta South senator said the era of “paper compliance” with the NOGICD Act, the Nigeria First Policy, and Executive Order 5 is over.
He described the forum’s theme: “Securing investments, strengthening local content, and scaling energy production,” as timely for the nation’s economic direction.
Joined by fellow committee members and industry leaders, Sen. Joel-Onowakpo praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritising local capacity development but lamented Nigeria’s slow progress despite decades of oil exploration.
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He revealed that the committee has begun a sweeping review of local content plans, compliance reports, and waiver requests.
Several petitions, he said, show ongoing violations, including Chevron’s employment of an expatriate as director of procurement, Sahara Group’s alleged refusal to remit the one percent human capital development levy, and complaints of Nigerians being sidelined in hiring and contract awards.
The senator vowed that going forward, companies and regulators found guilty of breaching local content laws would be summoned for investigative hearings.
He condemned the misuse of human capital development levy funds meant for training Nigerians, insisting that the law requires genuine investment in local skills.
To increase transparency, the committee has opened multiple channels for complaints, including a website, dedicated emails, and hotlines.
Sen. Joel-Onowakpo said the government cannot be blamed for unemployment when operators refuse to follow laws designed to protect Nigerians.
He reaffirmed that local content rules, backed by legislation and national policy, are mandatory, not optional.
“We will enforce the law firmly and fairly,” he said. “Local content must become a real economic tool, not a slogan.”
Stakeholders at the event pledged renewed commitment to strengthening local participation and boosting Nigeria’s industrial capacity.
