By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has reiterated the urgent need to grow local capacity as a long-term strategy to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.
Speaking during a familiarization visit to the Brigade Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, in Asaba, Delta State, the Delta South lawmaker lauded the military for its commitment to using direct labour and engaging local contractors in its projects.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, clarified that his visit was not an oversight function but a step towards understanding the operations and challenges of military formations within his constituency.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its focus on local content development, he stressed the role of industry stakeholders in supporting the policy.
“As industry operators, we cannot blame the federal government for the unemployment when we are the ones aiding and abetting those who are determined to bypass the law,” the senator said.
“Growing local capacity is the surest way to creating jobs for our teeming graduates and artisans. We must not allow opportunities meant for Nigerians to be outsourced to expatriates.”
He emphasized that all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors, have a shared responsibility to ensure the success of government initiatives aimed at job creation and economic empowerment.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to advocate for Nigerian contractors to receive fair treatment and access to opportunities, while calling for sustained support for the Tinubu-led administration.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has reiterated the urgent need to grow local capacity as a long-term strategy to reduce unemployment in Nigeria.
Speaking during a familiarization visit to the Brigade Commander of 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, in Asaba, Delta State, the Delta South lawmaker lauded the military for its commitment to using direct labour and engaging local contractors in its projects.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, clarified that his visit was not an oversight function but a step towards understanding the operations and challenges of military formations within his constituency.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its focus on local content development, he stressed the role of industry stakeholders in supporting the policy.
“As industry operators, we cannot blame the federal government for the unemployment when we are the ones aiding and abetting those who are determined to bypass the law,” the senator said.
“Growing local capacity is the surest way to creating jobs for our teeming graduates and artisans. We must not allow opportunities meant for Nigerians to be outsourced to expatriates.”
He emphasized that all stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors, have a shared responsibility to ensure the success of government initiatives aimed at job creation and economic empowerment.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to advocate for Nigerian contractors to receive fair treatment and access to opportunities, while calling for sustained support for the Tinubu-led administration.
