US pledges to deepen training skills for Nigeria’s newer technology
As US top official meets Kachikwu
In order to strenghten the bi-lateral relationship between the two countries in the area of boasting oil and gas newer technological skills, the United States Oil Secretary Mr. Rick Perry, during a meeting with his Nigerian counterpart, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu that the United States Government would be willing to assist Nigeria with access to newer technology and skill set training to deepen Nigerian participation and production in Oil and Gas.
In a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Idang Alibi, the two petroleum ministers, held a meeting in Cape Town South Africa. He further extended an invitation to the Honorable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources to come to the United States to take a look at the Department of Energy sector laboratories, which specifically develop new technologies being currently deployed in Oil and Gas.
According to the statement, Perry commended Nigeria on the significant steps taken in the oil and gas industry, and stated that the key message and thrust of the United States administration is to be strategic partners with Nigeria.
While, reiterating this message he further stated that the United States Government has a high level of respect for the people of Nigeria and pledged willingness to continue to encourage US companies to invest in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The landmark meeting which is the first of its kind between the two leaders of the energy sector in both countries since the inauguration of the new administration in the United States comes as a follow up to an earlier meeting that was hosted by the Office of the Secretary of Energy earlier in May 2017 at the United States Departments of State and Energy in Washington D.C. at the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).
The minister, while responding to the comments and feedback given by Perry said the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Buhari, has clearly set out the choices that have to be made as a Nation, over the next four years; and have also taken significant steps in achieving this through the continuous implementation of the 7BigWins as well as the Nigerian petroleum roadmap which focuses on stabilizing the business environment.
He said that part of the efforts in enshrining openness and transparency, and developing entrenching new policies and regulations.
These laudable achievements he said have contributed greatly in helping Nigeria claw back from recession.
Kachikwu restated the positive role the government has played through the instituting of the Joint Venture cash call payment agreement, ensuring adherence to due process in the sector, promoting accountability, encouraging sanctity of contracts and reviewing the Fiscal Policy to provide incentives for investment in the sector while optimizing revenues for the government.
He also hinted that plans are in place to reduce government’s role in the sector in order to increase private sector participation.
While discussing issues relating to infrastructural development in the sector, Dr. Kachikwu noted that a comprehensive and holistic infrastructural map which is being developed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources would be launched in December 2017.
Also, Dr. Kachikwu in the same vein highlighted the local content growth which the Nigeria Oil & Gas sector has experienced; it has moved from 5% at the inception of this Administration to about 40% local content compliance currently. End
By Idu Jude, Abuja
