Shell companies in Nigeria encourage Nigerian content development by promoting the use of locally manufactured goods as well as community and Nigerian service company involvement in production operations, projects and well engineering. Last year, Shell-run companies in the country awarded contracts worth nearly $947 million to Nigerian companies. This represents more than 96% of the overall number of contracts, and over 94% of the total value spent on these transactions.

The event, held between 6 – 8 of September 2011 brought together companies from both countries, 25 of them Nigerian. It focused on creating awareness of new growth opportunities, deepened understanding of the contracting requirements as well as prevailing conditions within the Nigerian Oil and gas sector. Detailed discussion sessions took place between participating companies, which are expected to evolve into new partnerships in key oil and gas growth areas including; well engineering, drilling, engineering, materials, fabrication,  human capital development and offshore logistics support..

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, commended SNEPCo and UKTI for the initiative, at a pre-conference private meeting. During discussions with Austin Uzoka, Manager Nigerian Content Development of SNEPCo and Craig Jones, Head of Energy Sectors Group, UKTI, HRH recognized the initiative as creating value for both countries and offered his continuing interest and support.

“…This has been an eye opener for me in terms of renewed focus for use of SME in driving up Nigerian Content Development (NCD). Shell has done well working with the UKTI on this and should be emulated by others” said Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa in a presentation delivered during the conference.

Phil Dunn Business Development Director of Mech-Tool, in his remarks said “This programme will help us to find credible, experienced partners to deliver our business objectives in Nigeria… we will follow up with a meeting in Nigeria before the end of 2010”. His sentiments were echoed by Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of the Wood Group and Samir Brikho, CEO of Amec.

In his presentation, on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities, Austin Uzoka, said “…. while the law sets audacious targets, it creates the opportunity for foreign investments in the country”. He encouraged the British companies present to find the appropriate Nigerian partners to help them ensure compliance to local regulations and boost their business aspirations in Nigeria.

The Shell, UKTI business summit at Offshore Europe Conference and Exhibition in Aberdeen was a follow-up to the 5th Shell, UKTI business summit which held in Abuja in June 2011. The business summit is an annual event which started