Tejiri Ebikeme/Francis Sadhere
The new Chairman of Izon-ibe Welders and Fitters Association, Delta State Chapter, Engr. George Timiyan has appealed to both the state and Federal Governments to prevail on multi-national oil companies not to undermine the Nigerian Local Content Law.
In his inaugural speech in Warri, Delta State, Engr. Timiyan claimed that qualified welders and fitters were not being patronized by the multi-national oil companies, thereby undermining the Nigerian Local Content Law.
The new chairman, who replaced Isaac Bifughu, blamed the prevailing poverty in the oil-rich Niger Delta region on multinational oil companies who failed to engage qualified local welders and fitters in their operations.
“Izon-Ibe Welders and Fitters Association, Delta State chapter, is appealing to both the State and Federal Governments to implore all the multi-national oil companies to carry our members along as the local content law implies,” he stated.
According to him; “This association is registered with CAC. It is a well known association but the problem is that our members are being denied jobs by multi-national oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region, hence we are imploring the state and federal governments to wade into this matter. We have qualified people who can work anywhere. The multi-national oil companies should source for those who will do their jobs locally and not to do anything that will undermine the Nigerian Local Content Law.”
Engr. Timiyan who was sworn-in along with Mr. Emmanuel Ogedi as new Public Relations Officer, promised to promote the welfare of the members of the association and urged Governments to address their neglect by the multi-national oil companies.
“We should be carried along by multi-national oil companies; there is no point looking elsewhere when we have competent welders and fitters. Governments should help us in this regard as we are ready to partner with Governments and the multi-national oil companies to reduce the level of poverty in the Niger Delta Region,” he stated.
