The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has approved no fewer than 549 temporary work permit applications for expatriates in the first three quarters of 2024.
According to the board’s latest stakeholders’ magazine, obtained on Saturday in Abuja, a total of 43 applications were rejected during the same period.
A breakdown of the approvals showed that 311 permits were granted in the first quarter, with 32 denied; 72 were approved in the second quarter, with three rejections; while the third quarter saw 164 approvals and eight denials.
The report also highlighted an increase in local workforce participation, noting that 184 expatriate-held jobs in the upstream sector, as well as one in the midstream, are now occupied by Nigerians.
Additionally, the NCDMB imposed 33 sanctions on companies in the oil and gas industry for violations of local content regulations. The board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that foreign expertise supports rather than displaces indigenous talent, warning companies against hiring expatriates outside the prescribed guidelines.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to withdraw its members from upstream operations if Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company fails to address ongoing labour concerns. The association also demanded the removal of 10,699 Indian expatriates allegedly employed by the firm in 15 locations within the sector.
In response, the NCDMB stated on Monday that it would investigate the matter. However, concerns remain over the gap between officially approved expatriate work permits and the actual number of foreign workers in the industry.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, revealed that local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector had reached 56%, with ongoing reviews aimed at further increasing indigenous participation.
“We are glad to mention that with our efforts, the level of local content in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria has reached 56% as of the last count. The review is ongoing to determine our current progress,” Ogbe stated.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to maximize value from its oil industry by boosting local investments and enhancing indigenous capacity.
