Author: admin

Categories
Government

INEC Election Officials and Their Duties/ Functions

Nigerian INEC Election Officials duties and roles in Nigeria

In this post, we explained Nigerian INEC Election Officials (e.g Resident Electoral Commissioners, Presiding Officer (PO), Assistant Presiding Officer (APO), etc and their duties/ functions. The Election Observers, The Security Agents and Their Roles in Election. Also, the history ofthe Nigerian electoral system, the Nigerian Electoral Process andElectoral Wards in Every LGAs and States in Nigeria.

What is Electoral Ward?

An Electoral Ward is a local authority area, typically used for electoral purposes. In some countries like Nigeria, electoral wards are usually named after neighbourhoods, thoroughfares, parishes, landmarks, geographical features and in some cases historical figures connected to the area.

What is Polling Unit?

Polling unit means an electoral Unit created by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the purpose of registration of voters and or voting.

What is INEC in Nigeria?

INEC is Independent National Electoral Commission. It is the electoral body which oversees elections in Nigeria. It was established in 1998 shortly before Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule.

The mission of INEC is to serve as an independent and effective Election Management Bodies (EMB) committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

Which Electoral Ward is The Largest in Nigeria?

Rigasa ward in Igabi LGA in kaduna state is said to be one of the largest ward in terms of population in Nigeria. Largest ward may not be of meaning again with the INEC decision to reduce crowded electoral ward. Prior to 2023 general election, INEC took a decision to removing some registered voters from some crowded wards to nearby less-crowd electoral ward.

History of the Nigerian Electoral System

Nigeria’s electoral system has its roots in the colonial period, when the country was administered by British authorities. In the 1950s and 1960s, Nigeria held a series of elections that were often marred by violence and fraud. Following the end of military rule in 1999, Nigeria embarked on a process of democratization that has seen significant improvements to the electoral system.

The Nigerian Constitution, which was adopted in 1999, provides the legal framework for the country’s electoral system. The Constitution establishes the INEC as an independent body charged with organizing, conducting, and supervising all federal and state elections in Nigeria.

Structure & Duties of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

The INEC is headed by a chairman and has 12 national commissioners, each of whom is appointed by the President of Nigeria, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The INEC is responsible for the registration of voters, the conduct of elections, creation of electoral wards and pulling units, and the resolution of election disputes. The commission is also responsible for the delimitation of constituencies and the publication of electoral guidelines.

Nigerian Electoral Process

The Nigerian electoral process involves a number of steps, including voter registration, candidate nomination, campaign activities, voting, and the announcement of results. The process is governed by a number of laws, including the Electoral Act, which was first passed in 2006 and has since been amended several times.

The Electoral Act provides for the establishment of political parties, the conduct of primaries, and the nomination of candidates for elections. The act also sets out rules for campaign financing, voting procedures, and the resolution of election disputes.

The INEC has made significant efforts to improve the integrity and transparency of elections, and there is a growing awareness among voters of the importance of free and fair elections.

As of 2023, the Nigerian electoral system has 119,973 polling units across the country. These polling units are organized into wards, which are further organized into local government areas.

INEC Electoral Officers in Nigeria and their Duties/ Functions

  1. Chairman of the Commission
    He is the Chief Electoral Commissioner. He has responsibility for the overall conduct of electoral activities in the country except local government elections handled by State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs). He is also the Returning Officer in the Presidential election.
  2. National Electoral Commissioners
    They are members of the Commission who make policies for the successful conduct of all electoral activities. Each of them heads a Standing Committee and supervise a cluster of INEC’s Offices in the States and FCT. They also monitor elections and ensure that rules and regulations are complied with.
  3. Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs)
    Resident Electoral Commissioners are responsible for the conduct and supervision of the elections in a State and the Federal Capital Territory. They take delivery of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials from INEC Headquarters and distribute them to all Electoral Officers. They also supervise the recruitment and training of staff for elections.
  4. Electoral Officers (EOs)
    They are responsible for conducting and supervising elections in Local Government areas or Area Councils. Electoral Officers receive election materials from Resident Electoral Commissioners and distribute them to Supervisory Presiding Officers for onward delivery to the Presiding Officers. They ensure the safe custody of materials used for elections. They are assisted by three Assistant Electoral Officers.
  5. Returning Officers
    It is their duty to collate (tabulate and sums up) and declare the score of the candidates and declare the winner in an election in a particular constituency.
  6. Collation Officers and
    There are collation officers at various levels.

    ·         Registration Area/Ward CO: Collates results from polling stations within a RA/Ward


    ·         Local Government Area (LGA) CO: Collates results from the various Registration Areas/Wards for the Area Council, State Assembly and Presidential elections.


    ·         State Constituency CO: Collates results from all the RAs/LGAs within a state constituency for the state assembly election.


    ·         Federal Constituency CO: Collates results from the LGA within a Federal Constituency. This person is the federal constituency RO.


    ·         Senatorial District CO: Collates results from all the LGAs within a Senatorial District


    ·         State CO: Collates results from all LGAs within a state in the presidential and governorship election and is the RO for that election. This person is the Chairman of INEC.


    ·         Chief Electoral Commissioner (Chairman, INEC): Collates results from all states within the federation in the Presidential election and is the Returning Officer for the election.

  7. Supervisory Presiding Officer
    Supervises the conduct of the poll in a cluster of Polling Unit.
  • Assists in the training of presiding officers, poll clerks and poll assistants under his/her supervision.
  • Ensures that all sensitive and non-sensitive materials are available at the assigned polling stations in the right quantities at the right time
  • Regularly visit the polling station under his/her supervision to attend to problems during the period of the election.
  • Ensures that the results of the poll for the assigned polling stations are delivered to the CO by the PO.
  • Ensures that all election materials returned to him/her by the PO are submitted to the EO immediately after the elections.
  • Liaises with the security agents to ensure that law and order are maintained within the polling station under his/her supervision.
  • He/she should be accountable to the EO in the discharge of his/her duties.

Other INEC Election Officials Related to The Polling Team are:

Presiding Officer (PO) (Ballot Issuance/Observer)
He/she is in-charge of all activities at the Polling Unit on Election Day including Polling, Sorting and Counting of votes as well as the Announcement of election result (s).

  • Takes delivery of and inspects all materials and equipment for election from the Supervisory Presiding Officer and ensures their security, particularly the sensitive materials, such as ballot papers and result forms;
  • Must be at the Polling Unit early (at least one hour before the official commencement of polling) to set up the Polling Unit;
  • Coordinates activities in the voting points under his supervision;
  • Conducts voter education ahead of polling.
  • Issues ballot paper(s) to voters and ensures that voters deposit thumb-printed ballot paper (s) into the appropriate ballot box.
  • Returns all election materials, other than the Result Sheets and Card Reader, to the SPO for delivery to the EO after elections.
  • Delivers the completed Result Sheets and Card Reader to the Registration Area Collation Officer (RACO)
  • Reports any security incident to the Security Agents at the Polling Unit and, where necessary, invites the Police or Security Agents to maintain order, keep the peace or arrest any person committing an offence;
  • Documents adverse incidents, using incident report form and informs the appropriate authority and persons;

Responds to calls from EOSC for periodic updates of the elections progress and reports threats.

Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) I (Verification and Statistics)

  • Works under the supervision of the PO/APO (VP).
  • Assists with the collection of materials from the SPO.
  • Assists with the return of election materials to the SPO.
  • Verifies and authenticates the voter using Card Reader;
  • Fills the gender and disability status for each voter in the Voter Information and Statistics Form EC 40H.

Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) II (Register-Check and Inking)

  • Assists with the collection of election materials from the SPO.
  • Confirms that voter’s details in the PVC are contained in the Register of Voters and ticks the appropriate box by the voter’s name before polling.
  • Applies indelible ink on the appropriate finger of the voter before polling.
  • Assists in the preparation and sorting of the ballots.
  • Assists with the return of the election materials to the SPO at the close of poll.

Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) III (Queue Controller)

  • Ensures orderly queuing of voters.
  • Arranges separate queues for men and women in areas where the mingling of men and women in the same queue is not allowed.

Assistant Presiding Officer Voting Point, APO (VP)

  • Supervises the conduct of all activities during polling, sorting and counting within a specified Voting Point (VP).
  • Acts on behalf of the PO at the Voting point.
  • Regulates the conduct of voters at the VP.
  • Decides on all cases reported to him/her by the APO I, APO II and APO III.

Election Observers and Their Roles in Election

Domestic and international observers are appointed by their respective organisations and accredited by the Commission.  They have the right to observe the entire voting process and the counting of ballots at the polling stations and collation and declaration of results at the collation centres.

With regards to Election Observers, Election Officials shall:

  • Check that all observers are duly accredited and wear their observer badges while at the Polling Station.
  • Allow observers to watch the distribution of election materials conduct of the voting, sorting and counting of the ballots, and announcement of results.
  • Allow observers to call to their attention any irregularities.

Note:  Observers are not allowed to handle election materials or interfere in the conduct of the poll or counting of ballots.  Observers are not allowed to wear any badges or symbol of any political party.  Observers shall comply with any lawful directive issued by or under the authority of INEC, or its officials including an order to leave the polling station or collation centre.

Accredited journalists have the same rights and responsibilities as accredited observers.

Role of Security Agents and Their Roles in Election

It is important that the conduct of the poll and the collation and declaration of results be done without any disturbance or threat to peace.

Security agents shall:

  • Provide security at the polling station and collation centres to ensure that the polling and counting of ballots and declaration of results are conducted without any disturbance.
  • Take necessary measures to prevent violence or any activity that can threaten or disrupt the election
  • Comply with any lawful directive issued by or under the authority of INEC
  • Ensure the security and safety of all election materials by escorting and guarding the materials as appropriate.
  • Protect election officials at the polling station and collation centres.
  • Arrest on the instruction of the PO or other INEC officials any person(s) causing any disturbance or preventing the smooth conduct of proceedings at the polling stations and collation centres.
  • At the polling station, inform the PO, or if they believe that any voter is under the age of 18 or has committed an offence of impersonation.
  • On the instruction of the PO stand at the end of the queue of voter at the polling station, if any, at the official close of accreditation so that any person entering the polling station after this time is not allowed to vote.
  • Accompany the PO to deliver the results, ballot boxes and other election materials safely to the RA/Ward Collation Centre.
  • Accompany Collation Officers to deliver collated election results to the ROs.

Note: Security Agents are not allowed to interfere with the conducts of the polls, counting of the ballots, or the collation and declaration of results.

Categories
Education

Protecting Students from Internet Harmful Content

We covered how schools can protect their Students from Viewing Internet Harmful Content. Setting up Parental Controls on devices like Internet Service, Internet browsers,  mobile phones and Tablets, Google Play Store, search engines and Computer Operating Systems.

As devices that have internet facility gets to students hands more to assist in their learning, it also exposses them to more harzards. When teachers and students were only in the physical classroom, they where worries about what kind of content the students are viewing.

Now that teachers and students are participating in distance learning, there is a greater worry that students are viewing harmful content during class time or at home. Schools and teachers want to protect their students from things that can hurt them. Let’s go over a few ways that schools and teachers can keep their students from accessing harmful content.

Teach Your Students About Harmful Content

Your students may not know about the harmful content they could be accessing by accident. It is important to teach your students digital safety. Go over with them how to avoid harmful content and the steps they need to keep themselves safe.

Utilize a Web Filter

One of the easiest ways that you can protect your students from harmful content on their school-provided devices is by utilizing a web filter. Web filters allow educators and schools to decide what harmful content they don’t want their students viewing. 

Other ways Schools use to Protect students from Harmful Internet Content

Controls on Internet Service Usage

Setting Parental Controls through your internet service provider can be the easiest way to manage what your children can access across all your devices and computers in your home. This can be done easily and normally for free by most internet service providers. We recommend contacting your provider or checking their website for more information. Please note if your child has a smartphone they use outside the home, you should also consider putting these controls in place on the device also.

Controls on Smartphones and Tablets

Whether your child has access to an Android/Apple smartphone or tablet, parental controls are available across all of these devices. You can turn off functions like in-app purchasing, social networks, app store access, camera access, Bluetooth and more.

Apple

You can use Restrictions to block or limit specific apps and features on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, including access to explicit content in the iTunes Store. For more information on setting up restrictions on Apple devices go to support.apple.com/

Android

This useful guide from PC Advisor gives step by step information on setting up parental controls on Android devices: pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/

Control on Google Play Store

For Android Phones, we also recommend putting in place controls on the Google Play store.

You can turn on these controls to restrict the content someone can download or purchase from Google Play on your device. Find out how to set up controls on Google Play here: support.google.com/googleplay/

Controls on Internet Browser

Most internet browsers offer free restrictions to help manage what sites your child can access when online. Find out how to activate parental controls on the most popular internet browsers.

Controls on Search Engines

Search engines play a big part in what we look at online so it is important to help manage the types of content your child can come across when searching for something online. Most search engines have free controls in place to help parents.

Try Out the best All-in-One Management Software in Nigeria

School Software Pro

All you need to manage your school from admission to graduation and even Alumni. Save your money in buying other software to manage school or group of schools.

School Software Pro is All-in-One affordable school management software for Primary, Secondary, Colleges, Polytechnics and University with 53+ useful features to Teach, Learn, Examine and Manage Employees, Students, Parents and Administrators.

 

Some of the School ERP Features

Exams & Result Management.

As schools are unique just as families are unique and they have their unique way of doing things including presenting their students report card. Whether it is called Student’s Academic Report Card, Result Sheet, Gradebook, etc, you will have it the way it suits your school needs. Fully customizable.

Fees Management

This feature helps the administrative team to easily collect the fees from the students, maintain fee records, issue receipts and send automatic fee reminders to the parents.

Alumni Management

The Alumni Module in College ERP System helps the institute to keep the ex-students connected with the institute and the current students. The software connects the current students and employees of your institution with alumni through events to help build relationships and networking opportunities. Using this feature, it is easy to access the contacts of the alumni, send them event invites, automatic reminders with easy RSVP features. 

Attendance Management

Daily attendance – whether for a single class or for the entire day is a mandatory routine of every student’s life. The attendance management module of the software allows the instructor to accurately and effortlessly record the attendance of the student. The software generates regular attendance reports – which can be sent to the parent’s email and will be accessible as a report in each student’s profile.

Admission Enquiry 

Admission enquiries usually can take up a lot of time of the college administrative team. With the help of the student admission management systems in School Software Pro, digitizes the entire admission enquiry process.  Enquiry and Registration process during the process of student admission. The system uses a digital admission enquiry form that automates the admission enquiry collection – from collecting the data, sorting out the various parameters and sending them updates and communication about the admission process. 

Online Classes

The School App is integrated with various video conferencing apps, which helps lecturers and trainers to conduct their classes online for the students to access from at any time or place of their location. It allows for a Zoom, Bigbluebutton and Google Meet integration so that the students can even attend the live classes online.

Communication

Open and easy modes of communication are essential for the effective management of any school/college. This communication is not just restricted to student -teacher communication but also involves communication with parents, administrative staff, other peers etc. 

The communication module offers various communication tools from emails, SMS, broadcast messages, making it the perfect internal communication tool for any school, college or university. 

Payroll Management

Payroll management is an essential feature of a good School/ College Management Software. The module manages various functions such as salary calculation, salary deduction and payslip generation

Certificate Generator

The School App helps the school to generate a variety of certificates for the teachers and students. The certificates include academic certificates, transfer certificate, leaving certificate, extracurricular activity participation certificate, migration certificate etc. The certificate module not only generates the certificates but it also keeps a digital record and copy of all certificates for easy access and verification in the future. 

Payment Gateway Integration 

It allows for a payment gateway that can be easily integrated to handle online fee payments. This safe and encrypted payment gateway allows parents to make various payments using cards, UPI, net banking, and other secure methods. 

Thus parents no longer have to visit the institute and spend time in a long line for paying the college fees. The same can be easily managed through the School/ College Management Software.

There are many other useful features in this best All-in-One Management Software in Nigeria. I think, these are some of the reasons why it is called the best school app in Nigeria.

Categories
ICT

How to Enable Parental Control Windows & Computers

In this post, we explained how to Enable Parental Control Computers/ windows 10, windows 8 and 7 for your Children. Also, the importance of Parental controls on windows or computers for parents and teachers.

Enabling parental control Windows on your child’s personal computer can prove to be quite beneficial. It gives you the ability to control and manage how your child can use their computer. At the same time, it also gives you peace of mind that your children are safe on the internet.

Parental controls on windows or computers are features or software that allow parents to monitor and/or restrict what a person/ child does on computer.

Parental controls on windows help reduce the risk of your child viewing inappropriate content on the web. In addition to setting parental controls, it’s important to monitor your child’s internet activity and use age-appropriate settings on devices.

If you are allowing your children to use a Windows system, then you need to hold on for a second and read this post beforehand. Without enabling any restrictions on your kid’s computer, they can access adult and other inappropriate content on the internet and can become addicted to it as well.

We therefore state that it is of utmost importance that you, being a parent, enable parental controls on their Windows/ computer system first. This will help you share your computer with your children and at the same time, keep a close eye on their internet activity as well.

Parental Controls in Windows 10

Microsoft should be commended because it has done an incredible job by putting up effective Windows 10 parental controls. Microsoft 10 version enables parents to create a separate account for their children and monitor their online activity without any problem.

Following are some of the ways how Windows 10 parental controls can help you:

  • Different accounts can be set up for your kids and their online activity can be monitored with the help of your administrator account.
  • Parents can monitor their kid’s internet activity as well as their web browsing history.
  • Parents can block any inappropriate or unsuitable website or app.
  • Children’s email accounts can be accessed and included in the parental control settings.
  • Allow your children to access the system with selected privileges.
  • Time limits can be set to access the system.
  • Purchase and spending limits can also be set.
  • Parents can also enable Xbox parental control settings.

How to Find, Change, Enable, or Disable Parental Controls in Windows 10

We outlined easy step-by-step guide to set up Windows 10 parental controls. You can also learn how to set parental controls on Google to keep your kids safe online.

You need to signed up for a Microsoft account. After signing up to Microsoft account, you need to set up parental controls in Windows 10 by making a separate account for your child.

Below are steps to enable parental controls in Windows 10

But there’s a fair chance that the default Windows Family Safety controls are already turned on for your child’s account, but it’s good practice to verify if they meet your needs. To review the setting, configure, change, enable, or disable them, or to enable reporting for a Microsoft Account:

  1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other People, and then choose Manage Family Settings Online.
  2. Log in if prompted, and then locate the child account from the list of accounts included with your family. Select Screen Time below your child’s name to open the Screen Time tab.
  3. Make changes to the default Screen Time Settings using the drop-down lists and daily timelines.
  4. Select More Options under your child’s name and choose Content Restrictions.
  5. Activate Block Inappropriate Apps And Games and Block Inappropriate Websites.Add any apps or websites you wish to block or allow and select an appropriate age rating.
  6. Select the Activity tab and expand Manage. Select Turn On Activity Reporting and Email weekly reports to me to get weekly reports of your child’s activities while online.
  7. Continue to explore other settings as desired.

How to Enable Parental Controls on Windows 8

To enable Parental Controls in Windows 8 and 8.1, you first need to create an account for your child. You do this in PC Settings. Then, from Control Panel, you configure the desired settings for that child account.

  1. From the keyboard, hold down the Windows key and press C.
  2. Select Change PC Settings.
  3. Select Accounts, choose Other AccSelect ounts, and then select Add An Account.
  4. Select Add A Child’s Account.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the process, opting to create a Microsoft Account over a local account if possible.

Configuring Parental Controls:

  1. Open Control Panel. You can search for it from the Start screen or from the Desktop.
  2. Select User Accounts And Family Safety, then choose Set Up Parental Controls For Any User.
  3. Select the child’s account.
  4. Under Parental Controls, choose Enforce Current Settings.
  5. Under Activity Reporting, choose Collect Information About PC Usage.
  6. Select the links provided for the following options and configure as desired:
    • Web Filtering to block certain websites and prevent downloads
    • Time Limits to choose when and on what days your child can access the PC
    • Windows Store and Game Restrictions to set age, title, and rating limits on the apps your child can use
    • App Restrictions to set the apps that your child can use
  7. You’ll receive an email that includes information about the Microsoft Family Safety login page and what’s available there. If you use a Microsoft Account for your child you’ll be able to view activity reports and make changes online, from any computer.

How to Enable Parental Controls on Windows 7

Configure Parental Controls in Windows 7 from Control Panel, in a similar manner to what’s outlined above for Windows 8 and 8.1. You’ll need to create a child account for the child in Control Panel > User Accounts > Give Other Users Access To This Computer. Work through the process as prompted.

With that done:

  1. Select the Start button and type Parental Controls in the search window.
  2. Select Parental Controls in the results.
  3. Select the child account.
  4.  If prompted, create passwords for any Administrator accounts.
  5. Under Parental Controls, select Enforce Current Settings.
  6. Select the following links and configure settings as applicable and then choose Close: Time Limits, Games,and Allow And Block Specific Programs.
Categories
Children

How to Set up Parental Controls Devices & Windows

We covered how to set up Parental Controls Devices like Internet Service Usage, Internet browsers,  Smartphones and Tablets, Google Play Store, search engines and Computer Operating Systems.

The internet puts the world at your fingertips. From laughing at your favorite shows to shuddering at the news, anything you want to access is just a click away. But that may be worrisome if you’re a parent or teacher.

As there are many information out there, most of them are free. The challenge is how do guide my children or little once from harmful sites as their mind have not developed to know the best for themselves.

And so, how to Set up Parental Controls on Devices became important to parents and teachers.

What is Parental controls on Device?

Parental controls on devices are features or software that allow parents to monitor and/or restrict what a person/ child does online or internet use.

Device Parental Controls helps to prevent children from accessing inappropriate or unsuitable content online. They can be implemented within your internet service provider, search engines, video streaming sites and more.

Parental controls help reduce the risk of your child viewing inappropriate content on the web. In addition to setting parental controls, it’s important to monitor your child’s internet activity and use age-appropriate settings on devices.

There are a wide variety of programs that do such things as block and filter websites and content, record their activities, limit their time online, and view their browsing history and communications.

Device Parental controls Options

Parental controls are available on most Internet-enabled devices including computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming systems. Parental controls can help reduce the risk of your child encountering inappropriate content when they are online. When enabling parental controls, use age-appropriate settings to filter, monitor and block your child’s activities. We recommend using parental controls especially for younger children all available devices, computers, and tablets in the home.

Parents should also understand that while parental controls are a good support, they are not 100% effective, therefore it is also very important to talk to your child about using the internet safely.

 What can Parental Controls do?

It is important to be aware of the range of parental controls available. They are usually offered by internet service providers, computer operating systems, social networks, search engines, games consoles and more. They also offer different functions depending on the provider, these include:

•             Setting specific time limits on your children’s use

•             Controlling/Blocking games your child can access

•             Prevent children from using specific programs

•             Manage content children can search for online

Parental Controls on Internet Service Usage

Setting Parental Controls through your internet service provider can be the easiest way to manage what your children can access across all your devices and computers in your home. This can be done easily and normally for free by most internet service providers. We recommend contacting your provider or checking their website for more information. Please note if your child has a smartphone they use outside the home, you should also consider putting these controls in place on the device also.

Parental Controls on Smartphones and Tablets

Whether your child has access to an Android/Apple smartphone or tablet, parental controls are available across all of these devices. You can turn off functions like in-app purchasing, social networks, app store access, camera access, Bluetooth and more.

Apple

You can use Restrictions to block or limit specific apps and features on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, including access to explicit content in the iTunes Store. For more information on setting up restrictions on Apple devices go to support.apple.com/

Android

This useful guide from PC Advisor gives step by step information on setting up parental controls on Android devices: pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/

Google Play Store

For Android Phones, we also recommend putting in place controls on the Google Play store.

You can turn on these controls to restrict the content someone can download or purchase from Google Play on your device. Find out how to set up controls on Google Play here: support.google.com/googleplay/

Parental Controls on Internet Browser

Most internet browsers offer free restrictions to help manage what sites your child can access when online. Find out how to activate parental controls on the most popular internet browsers below.

Google Chrome: google.ie/safetycenter/families

Safari: support.apple.com/

Firefox: support.mozilla.org/parental-controls

Internet Explorer: windows.microsoft.com/using-content-advisor

Parental Controls on Search Engines

Search engines play a big part in what we look at online so it is important to help manage the types of content your child can come across when searching for something online. Most search engines have free controls in place to help parents.

Google Safe Search: https://support.google.com/

Bing: http://www.bing.com/account

Yahoo: help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN2247.html

Parental Controls on Computer Operating System

Most computer systems offer easy to follow steps on setting up parental controls which are free to use. Here are links to some of the main providers:

Windows

Windows Parental Controls allows users to set limits on the amount of time spent on computers, the games users play and the programs they can access. To set these up go to windows.microsoft.com/set-parental-control

Apple

Apple’s Parental Controls filter can operate in 3 modes (unrestricted, automatic and whitelist). Ensure you choose the most appropriate filter for your child. For step by step info on how to set-up, see: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/mac-help/mtusr004/mac

Chrome OS

For Chrome Book users, we recommend setting up Supervised Users. Supervised Users allows you to see what sites/pages the supervised user has viewed and also allows you to block sites you may not want Supervised Users to access. Find out how to set up Supervised Users here: google.ie/safetycenter/families/

Categories
Oil and Gas Business

Nigerians Participation in the Local Content

Nigerians Participation and creating value in the Nigeria business has increase as a result of Local Content act.

Despite the pressure of globalization, the Nigerian Government is responsible of ensuring that businesses in Nigeria remain competitive. This informed the need for the Government to put in place frameworks to enhance the ability of local companies to exploit local opportunities while staying competitive globally. The local content provisions in some sectors include;

Oil and Gas

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (“NOGICDA”) which established the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (“the Board”) was enacted in 2010. The purpose of the Act is to create the framework for growth of Nigerian content in respect of all operations and transactions in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector (“the sector”).

The Act which defines a Nigerian Company to mean a Company registered in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the CAMA with not less than 51% (fifty-one percent) equity shares owned by Nigerians mandates investors in the sector to consider Nigerian content as an important element in their project development and management philosophy.

The Act provides that subject to fulfillment of the conditions that may be specified, Nigerian operators and indigenous service companies shall be given first consideration in award of oil blocks, licenses and works in the sector. Consequently, the Board is empowered to execute its duties under the Act as well as ensure that the provisions of the Act are compiled with by stakeholders in the sector.

Shipping

It is only vessels wholly owned and operated by Nigerians, built and registered in Nigeria that can engage in domestic coastal carriage of cargo and passenger within the coastal territorial inland waters or any point with the exclusive economic zone of Nigeria restricts the use of foreign-owned or manned vessels for coastal trade in Nigeria.

Consequently, a vessel which is not owned by a Nigerian citizen shall not carry any substance whatsoever or dredge any material within Nigerian waters. However, a foreign vessel may render assistance to persons, vessels or aircraft in danger or distress in Nigerian waters.

Lottery

In Lagos at least 15% (fifteen) of shares in predominantly foreign owned gaming licence applicants must be held by Nigerians.

Banks

No person can carry on any banking business in Nigeria except it is duly incorporated in Nigeria and holds a valid banking licence. Again, no foreign bank can operate a branch in Nigeria without prior approval of the CBN. However, CBN may grant licence to Nigerian and foreign banks to undertake off-shore banking business from Nigeria.

Information and Communications Technology

The National Information Technology Development Agency (“NITDA“) in 2013 released guidelines on Nigerian content development in information and communication technology. According to the guidelines, ICT companies in Nigeria are to maintain 50% (fifty percent) local content either directly or by outsourcing to local businesses to encourage Nigerian representation and participation in the sector.

Aviation

The Civil Aviation Authority shall not grant an aviation permit, certificate or other authorization to a person who is not a Nigerian citizen or a company registered in Nigeria.

Broadcasting

The Broadcasting Commission shall only grant a licence if it is satisfied that the applicant is a company registered in Nigeria with majority shares owned by Nigerians. The applicant must also demonstrate that it is not applying on behalf of any foreign interest.

Pharmacists

A person shall be registered and practice as a Pharmacist if he is a Nigerian citizen. Nevertheless, a person who is not a citizen of Nigeria may be registered as a Pharmacist if he is a citizen of a country with reciprocal registration facilities to Nigerian citizens.

Engineering

A non-Nigerian who satisfies the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria that he has been employed for a specific period in a capacity as an engineer and will be in Nigeria temporarily for the purpose of the employment or that he has qualification outside Nigeria which is acceptable to the Council may be registered as an engineer in Nigeria.

A company engaged in engineering services must be registered with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. To do engineering business, the company must have Nigerian directors that are registered with the council and who hold at least 53% (fifty-three percent) of the shares in the company.

Private security

A foreigner cannot acquire an equity interest in, or sit on the board of, a Nigerian private security guard company in Nigeria.

Advertising

Only a national agency (that is, an agency in which Nigerians own not less than 74.9% of the equity) can advertise in the Nigeria market.

Legal Practitioner

A person can only be entitled to practice as a barrister or solicitor in Nigeria if his name is on the roll of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.  Nevertheless, the Chief Justice of the Federation may grant any legal practitioner who is entitled to practice in a legal system similar to Nigeria, licence to practice in Nigeria. Again, if it is expedient for a person to practice as a barrister for the purpose of specific proceedings, the Chief Justice may grant the person the licence to practice as a barrister in relation to the specific proceedings stipulated.

The above are some of the few businesses which insist on local content participation. There is greater awareness on the need for Nigerians to participate in major sector of the Nigerian economy. For instance in the telecommunications sector, stakeholders have frowned at the absence of clear local content policy in the industry which has resulted in massive loss of jobs meant for Nigerians and poor remuneration of Nigerian workers employed by foreign owned telecommunications companies in the wake of outsourcing business model.

There is a clamor for the National Assembly to enact a local content law in other non-oil sectors to improve the capacity of Nigerian businesses and protect the employment of Nigerian employees.

Recent Development

On 5th February 2018, President Buhari signed Presidential executive order 5 for “planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and science, engineering and technology”. Under the executive order, procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007. The executive order prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria. The order also directs ministries, department and agencies to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.

Nevertheless, consideration shall only be given to a foreign professional where it is certified by the appropriate authority that such expertise is not available in Nigeria. In such an instance, the authority will give preference to foreign companies with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development prior to award of such contracts.

Categories
Oil and Gas Business

Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF)

What is Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF)?

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund is a pool of funds made available by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to be managed by the Bank of Industry to meet the funding needs of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the Nigerian Oil and gas Industry. It is sourced from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) created by section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act.

The Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) was motivated by the desire to re-engineer the operations of the NCDF, increase access to funding and grow indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry.

Read: NOGIC JQS Registration Requirements (Local Content)

  • To increase access to Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF).
    • To provide single digit interest loan.
    • To enhance competitiveness of indigenous companies servicing the oil and gas industry.
The Purpose for Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF)

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund is a Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) fund managed by Bank of Industry Limited (BOI).

The NCI fund was motivated by the desire to re-engineer the operations of the NCDF, increase access to funding and grow indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry.

The NCI fund is designed to achieve the following strategic objectives:

  • To increase indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, build local capacity and competencies.
  • To promote the growth and development of Nigerian Content in activities connected with sectors of the Nigerian oil and gas Industry.
  • To deepen the creation of linkages to other sectors of the national economy and boost industry contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s National Gross Domestic Product.
  • To address persistent funding challenges that have hindered capacity and growth of local service providers in oil and gas.
  • To facilitate the growth of community based companies in the upstream oil and gas sector.
  • To spur productivity and job creation in the Oil and Gas Industry.
  • To attract investment capital into the sector and boost contribution of the sector to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Benefits of NCI Fund Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Content Intervention Fund is meant for Oil and Gas Manufacturing Loan, Asset acquisition financing, Loan re-financing, Community contractor finance schemeand Contract Finance.

The facility type are Term loans, Working Capital, Invoice Discounting and Leasing facility. The NCI Funding are for maximum of 5 years tenor.

The benefits are many to local economy, host communities and players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Some of the benefits are:

Read: How to apply for DPR Permit

i) It will promote the production and utilization of locally manufactured goods and services in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

ii) It will address the persistent funding challenges that has hindered capacity and growth of local service providers in oil and gas industry.

iii) It will spur productivity and job creation in the oil and gas industry.

Amount to Access Under Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund

Applicants who are eligible to apply for the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund have maximum amount they can apply for in one application (a single obligor limit) under each loan type. The single obligor limit for the available types of funding is detailed below:

  • i)Manufacturing Loan – US$10million
  • ii)Asset acquisition Loan – US$10million
  • iii)Contract finance Loan – US$5million
  • iv)Community Contractor Finance Scheme – N20million
  • v)Loan Re-financing – US$10million

NCI Funding Interest Rate

i) Manufacturing Loan – 8%

ii) Asset acquisition Loan – 8%

iii) Contract finance Loan – 8%

iv) Community Contractor Finance Scheme – 5%

v) Loan Re-financing – 8%

Note:
The 10% equity contribution will only apply to manufacturing and asset acquisition facility types. Applicant will be required to provide a minimum of 10% equity contribution.

Aziza Nigeria is your No. 1 Oil & Gas and Marine Business Support Firm in Nigeria.
We partner with you in Nigerian Local Content program.

Categories
Oil and Gas Business Uncategorized

How to Access Nigeria Content Intervention (NCI) Fund

How to access Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund, who is eligible to access the NCI Fund, how to prepare your Feasibility Study Report so as to access the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund and many more.

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund is a pool of funds made available by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to be managed by the Bank of Industry to meet the funding needs of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the Nigerian Oil and gas Industry.

Read: NCEC Registration Requirements

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund is a pool of funds made available by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to be managed by the Bank of Industry to meet the funding needs of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the Nigerian Oil and gas Industry. It is sourced from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) created by section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act.

Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund Facility Types

The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will use the NCI Fund to finance the following facilities:

  • Term loans,
  • Working Capital,
  • Invoice Discounting
  • Leasing facility

Eligibility to Access the NCI Fund

You must be registered with NCDMB. Read requirements to NCDMB registration.

Read: How to apply for DPR Permit, Requirements & Cost

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund will be accessible to contributors to the NCDF as well as community contractors of any of the oil producing communities.

Amount to Access Under Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund

Applicants who are eligible to apply for the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund have maximum amount they can apply for in one application (a single obligor limit) under each loan type. The single obligor limit for the available types of funding are detailed below:

  • i)Manufacturing Loan – US$10million
  • ii)Asset acquisition Loan – US$10million
  • iii)Contract finance Loan – US$5million
  • iv)Community Contractor Finance Scheme – N20million
  • v)Loan Re-financing – US$10million

How to Apply For Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund

All applications can only be made through the Bank Of Industry (BOI) Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund portal (www.boi.ng/ncifund).

Upon submission of the application, it takes forty-five (45) working days to access the loan. This is subject to fulfillment of all terms and conditions and contract confirmation from an International Oil Company (IOC), where applicable.

Requirements & Application Contents 

Different documents are required for the different types of loan available (this can the accessed on the website) but a major requirement for all loan types is a detailed Feasibility Report containing the following:

Introduction & Background: This shows information on the company’s activities since incorporation, biographies of shareholders of the company and their percentage shareholding, project concept which is the need for the project and the detailed project description.

List Of Information Expected In The NCIF Feasibility Study Report

1)         Information on the company’s activities since incorporation.

2)         Biographies of shareholders of the company and their percentage shareholding.

3)         Projects concept, the need for the project and detail project description

4)         Details of the project cost as well as the proposed financing plan with realistic assessment    and evidence of availability of funds from each source.

5)         Details of existing assets and the value as well as cost incurred on the proposed project till date.

6)         Installed capacity and a detailed analysis of the annual cost of production and cash flow and balance sheet projections for at least the first five years with relevant assumptions.

7)         Detailed technical information covering technology, production process etc.

8)         Information on Technical Partners, if any.

9)         Comprehensive list of machinery required, giving detailed specifications, source(s) and prices.

10)       Details of utility requirements and availability of essential services such as water, power, transport around the project site.

11)       Detailed information on raw material requirements, their sources and unit cost.

12)       Comprehensive list of manpower requirements broken down into categories and salaries.

13)       List, qualification and position and annual salary of existing management and staff (for expansion projects only).

14)       Detailed market study report, covering the following areas:
(a)        Supply analysis with information/data on names, location and installed capacities of existing and known potential competitors, import data for the products(s) Trend of future supply (local + import).
(b)        Demand analysis comprising factors influencing demand, estimate of domestic demand, export potentials – all based on current and future trend.
(c )       Market prospects with information on existing planned marketing arrangements, distribution strategies, current and proposed selling prices vis-à-vis competitors, prices (local and import prices).

15)       For on-going projects, give the existing, Expansion/Diversification and Consolidated projections covering Profit and Loss Accounts, Cash Flow Analysis and Balance Sheets for the period of five (5) years.  Also provide the detailed information/data and assumptions used in the above projections.

Categories
Oil and Gas Business

Nigerian Local Content Achievements so far

There have been some notable and measurable achievements recorded in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry since the inception of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010. Some of what we called “recorded achievements” ordinarily should not would not be seen as achievements if players has obeyed some of rules of engagements prior to the Act.

Thank God for the Act that came some how late to regulate the industry. Prior to the Act, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry business both offstream and downstream was free for all for the players that are majorly foreign International Oil Companies.

Read: Nigeria Oil & Gas Business Support Services

Below are Some of the Major Achievements in Nigerian Oil & Gas since the inception Local Content Development Act 2010.

Prohibition of Importation of Welded Products

On e of the key achievements Local Content development has to to Nigerians is Prohibition of Importation of Welded Products. All operators, project promoters, contractors and any other entity engaged in the Nigerian oil and gas industry shall carry out all fabrication and welding activities in – country.

For example, during the construction of NLNG Train 1 to Train 6, foreigners where all over the project. Foreign contractors who where handling the projects were hiring all kids of labors from their country. Unskilled labors, most welded products were imported and many more.

Nigerian Local Contractor Development

Another key achievements of local content act is the NOGICD Act has led to a sizeable portion of the goods, services and equipment vital for the every-day running of operations to be sourced locally. The number of contracts awarded to indigenous contractors and sub-contractors has increased over the years, thereby guaranteeing increased local employment and ensuring the emergence of more local companies.

Indigenous companies are increasingly providing programmes specifically designed to support local contractors and businesses. Seplat operates their annual flagship Community Contractors’ Capacity Building programme which equips local contractors with the necessary skills to help them develop their business processes to an international standard.

Since 2014, over 300 contractors from the Delta and Imo states have benefitted from this programme. This has enabled up to 40% of host community contractors to gain technical skills which were lacking at the time they originally registered as contractors. In addition, 98% of Seplat’s contractor are Nigerian companies – in line with the provisions of the NOGICD Act. Since 2013, contracts worth up to US$1bn have been awarded to Nigerian companies.

Bidding Process for Contracts

The Act requires project promoters and operators to consider Nigerian content when evaluating any bid. Where bids are within one percent (1%) of each other at commercial stage, the bid containing the highest level of Nigerian content shall be selected provided the Nigerian content is at least five percent (5%) higher than its closest competitors.

This initiative is also emphasized through ensuring that award of contracts are not solely based on the principle of lowest bidder and allows a Nigerian indigenous company who has capacity to execute a job not to be disqualified exclusively on the basis that it is not the lowest financial bidder, provided the value does not exceed the lowest bid price by ten percent (10%).

Oil & Gas Company Ownership

Other achievements of Oil & Gas content Act is the NOGICD Act has led to a sizeable portion of 51% Ownership to Nigerian to Oil & Gas Company. This means, an Oil and Gas company is deemed to be a Nigerian company if the Equity Share Capital of company is owned by Nigerian indigenes.

Addressing Militancy and Youth Unemployment

Militancy in the Niger Delta has long been a key issue facing the oil and gas sector in Nigeria and these policies have created opportunities which has reduced levels of unrest in the region. Communities are now actively engaged through community development programmes to support local stakeholders. Seplat’s annual ‘Eye Can See’ and ‘Safe Motherhood’ programmes deliver comprehensive eye care and medical care for expectant mothers.

Read: Oil & Gas Compliance (Permits & Licenses)

This two-way dialogue between Seplat and the local community alongside the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) signed in 2010 and jointly reviewed and renewed in 2016 has meant that, production downtime due to community unrest against Seplat-owned assets has been kept to a bare minimum.

The Company also has an additional graduate training programme which aims to help Nigerian graduates with no prior oil and gas industry experience to develop their knowledge of the sector and expose them to the technology used. Since 2014, the Company has spent over US$8m on employee training.

While there is still work to be done across the industry, existing data shows that pipeline vandalisation and human error related spillages have reduced in the Delta.

Employment and Training

The inclusion of Nigerians in oil operations provides a significant avenue through which skills can be acquired and subsequently the development of the industry and economy. This is substantiated through the Local Content Act which requires that for each of its operations, an operator or project promoter may retain a maximum of five percent (5%) of management positions as may be approved by the NCDMB as expatriate positions to take care of the interests of investors.

It is also made mandatory for operators in the industry to provide a viable succession plan whereby Nigerians will understudy each incumbent expatriate position for a maximum period of four (4)  years, at the end of which the positions shall become Nigerianised.

Furthermore, the Act mandates that operators and companies operating in Nigeria shall only employ Nigerians in their junior and intermediate cadre or any other corresponding grades designated by the operator or company.

Another interesting provision is the requirement that all project or contracts with a budget of more than $100 million are required to contain a ‘Labour Clause” mandating a minimum % of Nigerian labour in specific cadres.

Increase In Infrastructure Development And Facility Upgrades

Until recently, activities such as engineering, welding and construction were done outside of Nigeria as there were no international standard dockyards or construction sites in place in-country. There have been huge strides in this area with industry leading construction yards built by companies such as Total, Aveon and Saipem to ensure projects can be completed in-country, providing thousands of local jobs.

Read: How to Start Oil & Gas Business in Nigeria

A key example of this is the recent construction of the Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO), the largest vessel of its kind ever installed in Nigeria. 77% of the construction was completed in-country, a ground-breaking achievement for the country. This confirmed that the Nigeria’s well-equipped construction yards met international standards and were successfully managed by competent local personnel.

Gas and Support to The Power Sector

Gas supply performance relative to Domestic Gas Supply Obligation (DGSO) has greatly improved across indigenous operators including Seplat, Frontier Oil and Gas, and Energia. These companies have been heavily investing in gas production in order to capitalize on the announcement made by the Ministry of Petroleum in 2014, that the DGSO prices were to increase from $0.3/Mscf to $2.5/ Mscf.

For example, Seplat’s average daily gas supply was above 230% of its DGSO in 2017, making it one of the leading domestic suppliers of gas in the country. In addition, it currently contributes 3.5% of the total gas production in Nigeria.

The aim of the 2014 price increase was to encourage investment in-country in order to deliver the envisaged 30GW generation, up from the current 5GW level. Ultimately this will guarantee access to reliable, affordable power for local Nigerians, a vital step to achieve accelerated economic growth.

Legal Services

Where legal services are required to engage in any operation, business or transaction in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, operators are obligated to only retain the services of a Nigerian legal practitioner or a firm(s) Nigerian legal practitioners with its office located within Nigeria. This is implemented through the provision of a Legal Service Plan (LSP) to the board every six (6) months which shall extensively provide a report on the legal services utilized in the last six (6) months by expenditure, a forecast of legal services required during the next six (6) months and the projected expenditure for the services. In addition to the above a list should be provided highlighting the external solicitors utilized for legal services in the past six (6) months, the nature of work done and the expenditure made by the operator.

Insurance

To engage in any form of business, operations or contract in the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, operators and all interested parties must insure all insurable risks related to its oil and gas business with an insurance company, through an insurance broker registered in Nigeria under the provisions of the insurance Act as amended.

Financial Services

It is mandatory for operators to submit a Financial Services Plan (FSP), where financial services are required. Included in the FSP amongst others will be details of financial services utilized in the past six (6) months, a forecast of financial services required during the next six (6) months, projected expenditure; and the nature of financial services required.

It is also provided that operators, contractors and sub-contractors shall maintain bank accounts within Nigeria in where it shall retain a minimum of 10% of its total revenue accruing from its Nigerian operations.

Conclusion

Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) 2010 and the management body Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has climbed a great hill but as Mandela said, “there are many more hills to climb” for the long walk is not ended.

Categories
Oil and Gas Business

Local Content Development in Nigeria Oil & Gas Sector

In this post, we x-rayed Local content development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the objectives and some of the achievements in the Nigerian oil and gas industry since 2010. The history of Local content development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, what lead to the Local Content Act and more.

Local Content is a means used in many countries to protect and develop indigenous employees, products and services from foreign experts. The definition is specific to each country and depends on its micro and macro-economic conditions.

Local Content in Nigeria Oil & Gas Sector gives a framework for the increase in Nigerian participation in the Oil and Gas Industry / sector. It prescribes minimum thresholds for Nigerian participation in activities within the industry through the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources and services in the industry. It’s activities, connection with the exploration, development, exploitation, transportation and sale of Nigerian crude oil and gas resources.

Contact us for Oil & Gas Business Support in Nigeria

local content development policy seeks to promote inclusiveness and integration of the sector with the rest of the economy to ensure that the country and its people benefit from the ownership of these significant reserves. It also seeks to promote local employment and the use of local goods and contractors so that a country’s citizens are involved throughout the entire supply chain. Other desired outcomes include the increase of domestic capabilities and competencies over time, improvement of national technological capacity and to manage the equal distribution of wealth across the country.

The current climate of the industry has largely been influenced by the passage of various laws and regulations that are administered by local, national and other government organizations representing the interests of state and country. Through these bodies, the Nigerian Government regulates exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil as a result of the authority provided through the Nigerian Constitution and the Petroleum Act (“PA”), which vests the entire ownership and control of petroleum in the Nigerian Government on behalf of the people of Nigeria.

Amongst the most notable government institutions are the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which ensure that operations within the industry are regulated to a specific standard.

It is with great input from these bodies that various laws and regulations that directly and indirectly regulate the Nigerian oil and gas industry are implemented and monitored. These laws and regulations vary from those applying to the operational aspects, to the fiscal aspects, such as the PA, the Petroleum Profits Tax Act (“PPTA”), the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act (DIBPSA) and regulations which have been made pursuant to the PA, such as the Petroleum (Drilling & Production) Regulations (“PDPR”) which regulate operational aspects of the drilling and production of crude oil.

Prior to Nigerian Local Content Development

Traditionally, major International Oil Companies (IOCs) have dominated the oil and gas sector in Nigeria due to their technological and financial advantages, alongside a lack of proper regulation in the past. This has meant that local content development has been lacking due to the isolated bubble which the IOCs operated in and a critical lack of infrastructure to support processing and refining locally. For example, prior to 2010, nearly US$380 billion and 2 million jobs were estimated to have been lost as the majority of construction, engineering and procurement undertaken by the IOCs was carried out overseas.

Key Legislation/Regulatory Local Content bodies

Read: How to Obtain Oil & Gas Permits and Certificates

What is the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF)?

The Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund is a pool of funds made available by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to be managed by the Bank of Industry to meet the funding needs of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the Nigerian Oil and gas Industry. It is sourced from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) created by section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act (NOGICD) Act.

What is Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD)?

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act is an act to provide for the development of Nigerian content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, Nigerian content plan, supervision, coordination, monitoring and implementation of Nigerian content; and for related matters.

What is Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)?

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (“the “Board”) established in accordance with this Act shall make procedure that will guide, monitor, coordinate and implement the provisions of this Act.

The NCDMB Board shall implement the provisions of this Act with a view to ensuring a measurable and continuous growth of Nigerian content in all oil and gas arrangements, projects, operations, activities or transactions in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The NCDMB Board shall review and assess the plan and, if satisfied that the plan complies with the provisions of this Act, issue a Certificate of Authorization (“the Certificate’) to the operator for that project.

Oil and Gas Local Content Objective

The Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (the “Local Content Act”). The main objective/ target is seventy percent (70%) utilization of indigenous labor, materials and resources in all oil and gas projects in country.

The act aims to achieve 70% local content by 2020 and there has been significant progress as can be seen by the increased number of independent and marginal producers.

Since inception, the Local Content Act has brought about a significant shift in ensuring an increase in indigenous participation within the industry.

Post the implementation of the NOGICD Act, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources launched the Petroleum Industry Roadmap which set out the “7 Big Wins”, providing a set of aims for the industry to achieve between 2015-2019. Key elements of the new policy, its benefits and delivery status as at year-end 2018 are outlined below.

The Nigerian Local Content Development Road Map in Oil & Gas Sector

The ultimate objective of the above “7 Big Wins” is to capitalize on Nigeria’s status as the ninth-largest gas reserve holder in the world. These robust projects aim to support the growing ‘gas revolution’ in the country which looks to shift Nigeria away from being an oil-based economy to a gas-based one. This includes expanding Nigeria’s existing domestic refinery capacity, improving gas supply infrastructure across the country and maximising the use of gas powered generation in order to encourage economic development through access to a continuous, cheap and reliable power source.

Read: Local Opportunities in $7.6bn NLNG Train 7 Project

Nigerian Local Content Achievements so far

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act Achievements so far. Below are some of the notable achievements recorded in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry from the inception of the Act 2010.

Increased Indigenous Participation

More than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created for local Nigerians in the sector since 2010. Some indigenous companies have been instrumental in maximizing opportunities for local content development at their operations. In 2018, 99% of the Company’s entire workforce is Nigerian and Nigerians account for nearly 80% of the Company’s top management positions. The Company also has a rigorous Workforce Capacity Development training programme to ensure its workforce has the necessary skills and knowledge required to operate to an international standard.

NLNG Train 7 Project, a Major Milestone

The $7.6bn NLNG Train 7 Project that just started clearly mapped out the fabrications, supplies, manpower, and others that must be for indigenous utilization.

Click to Nigerian Local Content Achievements

Categories
Education

Islamic Schools In Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Islamic Primary Schools In Port Harcourt
Rivers State, Nigeria

City Model Nursery and Primary School
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

An-Nur Islamic College
No 158 Shehu Shagari Housing Estate, Oloje Ilorin, Kwara Nigeria

At-Tanzeel School
Valley View Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos

Balad Private Schools
No 1, Obafemi Street, Iyana Alfa, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria

Kwara State College of Arabic & Islamic Legal Studies
Western Reservoir Road, Ilorin, kwara State, Nigeria

Al’Huda Centre For Qur’an & Hadith Memorization
Alhuda Building, Adjacent to Fadimatu Academy Gida-Dubu, Yadi Dutse

error: Content is protected !!
Exit mobile version