THE NEED TO ADOPT SAUDI ARABIA'S CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY METHOD IN COLLABORATING WITH THE OIL AND GAS HOST COMMUNITIES.

As the federal government is trying to fight the problem of the incessant crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, it is important they also draw out a blue print to carry Nigerians along under the supervision of pragmatic productive initiative. 

Therefore, as part of the mandate giving to the chairman Ad-hoc committee on crude oil theft, Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko by the Senate which directed the committee to urge both the federal and state governments to work together in creating conflict resolution mechanisms that involve key stakeholders, including international oil companies (IOC), Nigerian Oil companies (NOCs), host communities, and security agencies. 

In anticipation to the above mandate, it is very vital for the federal government and every other stakeholders most especially the International oil companies (IOCs), Nigerian Oil Companies (NOCs) and the maritime industry to phantom pragmatic ways to create the enabling environment for the citizens to feel the impact of their presence in all ramifications.

There is urgent need for the stakeholders to project entrepreneurial skills acquisition centres that can boost localisation opportunities within the engaged sectors assigned to drive peoples progressive vision.

Saudi Arabia government in affiliation with Saudi Aramco in a recent development signed $9 billion worth agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 145 agreements and MOU valued $9 billion USD at the in-kingdom Total Valued Add (Iktva) Forum & Exhibition 2025.

The agreement and Mou's are expected to advance the localisation of goods and services in Saudi Arabia encouraging local manufacturing companies by fostering collaboration between its government and other stakeholders. 

The IOCs, NOCs, NNPCL and the Maritime industry must design a framework to proffer sustainable innovating solutions that would assist in boosting the local content development architecture by encouraging local production and redefine the procurement and supply chain landscape in Niger Delta region. 

NNPCL and other stakeholders should synergize to develop and commercialize a broad range of composite products. 

A designated fabrication industry be employed to provide maritime engineering, equipment, material manufacturing and fabrication services. 

The federal government through NNPCL in collaboration with other stakeholders should spearhead an enlighten program that may project an "Ecosystem of opportunities" to the Nigerian citizens. To end bunkering and other hazardous illegal refining process in the creeks, the government should encourage mini modular refineries that would further develop the expertise of the average Nigerian citizens willing to be useful in the society. 

The vision should focus on showcasing the evolution of the local supply base, the realization of enablement anchor projects, and collaboration areas to further develop the domestic supply chain ecosystem. 

The intent of such collaboration or program is to increase export of manufactured goods and services and creating direct jobs for young Nigerians. 

This initiative when properly grasped will increase the localisation opportunities within the engaged sectors assigned to drive this vision. 

NNPCL and other major stakeholders should encourage different entrepreneurial skills development initiative that should cover different sectors such as chemicals, non-metallic, IT, electrical and instrumentation, static and rotating, drilling, fire protection system, and others. 

These investment plan will boost Nigerian home made goods being manufactured locally in Nigeria and further empower Nigerian citizens of becoming useful to themselves and the Nigerian economy. 

In conclusion to the above, if we must get things right and stop the vulnerability of Nigerians not to be used for crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, both NNPCL and the stakeholders must look inward to phantom long term solutions that will bring a great sense of belonging to the Nigerian citizens.

—Ally Isah

SSA oil and gas matters to Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.