By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—THE people of Oben, an oil producing community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the Federal Government to immediately commence the implementation of the local content policy to provide jobs for indigenes in the oil industry.

A statement by Chairman of the Nigerian National Fitters Association, NNFA, Mr. Uyi Omoragbon, after the inauguration of the new executive of the association, explained that if the local content policy was implemented, most of the work being done in the engineering sector by expatriates would be taken over by Nigerians.

He said: “We have competent and qualified welders and fitters, who have worked outside Nigeria and are working here presently. They have been tested and are capable of taking on responsibilities

“We are appealing to both the states and Federal Government to come to our aid by ensuring that something is done about the local content policy, so that something reasonable can be achieved through our talents.”

He cited the case of the on-going laying and construction of oil pipelines from Obe to other parts of the country, insisting that the work was being done by Nigerians.

Inaugurating the association, Edo Zonal Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Asuelimen, advised the new executive to operate an open door policy to enable it succeed.

Among those elected include Uyi Omoragbon, Chairman, Joseph Oduware, Financial Secretary and Stanley Evbalu, Secretary.