[size=14pt]Shell adopts Nigerian Content model for global operation[/size]
By Emeka Ugwuanyi

THE Royal Dutch Shell has adopted the Local Content Model being implemented in the country for use in its global operations.
To successfully implement the model, Shell has appointed the immediate past General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Shell Nigeria, Simbi Wabote, an engineer, as the Local Content Manager, Shell Exploration and Production International Limited.


Speaking at the send-off ceremony organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for Wabote in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa, explained that the structured implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act is yielding results and attracting international acclaim.

Nwapa said: “It is significant that Shell found it necessary to take the Nigerian Content model being implemented in Nigeria and implant it in their global system. That tells us that what we are doing here is effective and we want to show the world that if Shell says this implementation model is effective, then it is effective.
“It is through Nigerian Content Development that this industry and country can be transformed and industrialised.”

Nwapa hailed the contributions of Wabote to the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act, noting that his analytical approach to issues helped the Board improve its formulation of guidelines and directives.

He expressed delight that Wabote’s new position would afford him the opportunity to play more significant roles that would impact positively on Nigerian Content development.

The Executive Secretary challenged Nigerians in positions of authority in the industry to see Wabote’s elevation as a challenge to make a difference in their companies.
He said: “We feel very strongly that our Nigerian Content Managers should emulate Simbi. He was very loyal to Shell but he also used his position in a right way to ensure that his company complied with the laws of Nigeria.

“We at the Board would continue to rely on the support of Shell and the international oil companies to perform our responsibilities.”
Colleagues and associates of Simbi commended his contributions to the development of local capacity and described his promotion to the Shell International Office in Dubai as an opportunity to export the local content campaign to other parts of the world.

Wabote commended the Board for the significant successes it had recorded in the implementation of the Act, which has resulted in the marked development of local capacity, creation of over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, increased retention of the annual industry spend among others.

He also extolled the Board for employing a non-disruptive implementation strategy and allaying apprehensions which griped some international operating and service companies after the Act was signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan on April 22, 2010.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/21236-shell-adopts-nigerian-content-model-for-global-operation.html