By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
An offshore services expert, Mr. Sunday Ikot, has said existing Federal Government policies are creating significant challenges for indigenous marine and offshore service companies operating in Nigeria.
Ikot, Executive Director (Projects) of BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, made the remarks while receiving members of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) during a courtesy visit in Uyo.
According to him, many local operators are struggling despite Nigeria’s local content framework, as regulatory and financial obligations continue to increase while foreign companies dominate offshore contracts.
He said indigenous firms are required to renew multiple operational licences annually at costs exceeding ₦20 million, in addition to taxes and other statutory payments, without what he described as adequate access to business opportunities.
Ikot also said the earlier policy that encouraged technical partnerships between indigenous and foreign companies has not delivered the expected level of participation for local operators in offshore operations.
He called on the Federal Government to introduce support measures, including financial and operational interventions, to help indigenous marine companies remain competitive and contribute to employment generation and economic development.
The BOBELS executive added that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy presents an opportunity to address longstanding challenges facing indigenous operators.
Earlier, EMR Chairman Harrison Ndifreke said the association’s visit was part of its engagement with stakeholders in the energy, maritime, oil and gas, and blue economy sectors. He said stronger institutional support is needed to help indigenous companies build capacity, create jobs and participate more effectively in emerging offshore opportunities.
