The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for their understanding and partnership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commendation was on the backdrop of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on diverse fronts in the delivery of sustainable development projects in the region in line with the local contents.
Speaking on Thursday at the interactive session between the Senate Committee on Local Content and the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, the lawmaker urged the NDDC to recruit its trained workforce for service delivery.
The lawmaker, who is Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content Committee, Natasha tasked the commission to build capacity and equip the youth in the area.
“NDDC should consider being the primary recruiters of their trained workforce.
“Artisans or skilled professionals such as ICT workers can be absorbed by NDDC contractors, which in turn, will enable the commission to reach the most vulnerable and neglected youth,” she said.
She also pledged to partner with NDDC on building a database of artisans within the country to strengthen the workforce and by extension achieve microeconomic growth for Nigeria.
Her committee, she said, would deploy innovative thinking for positive results.
“We are building a database of carefully profiled artisans who have been trained by NDDC, SMEDAN, etc.; and work modalities to have the oil & gas companies, as well as government contractors, recruit from the pool of verified workforce.”
Responding, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Delta Development Commission promised to synergise with the Senate Committee on Local Contents to develop strategies, and in turn, engage trained workforce for employment opportunities.
Local content: Senator Natasha lauds NDD, NLNG partnership