OML 42 Host Communities Contractors Trained on Business Development, Tax Reforms in Delta
A one-day capacity building programme for contractors and vendors from OML 42 host communities has been successfully held at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The training, facilitated by the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and sponsored by NNPC/Jones Creek Hydrocarbon Limited, focused on enhancing business development skills, contracting processes, and understanding new tax laws.
Participants were taken through key sessions on contracting processes and business opportunities within the Supply Chain Management (SCM) framework by Engr. (High Chief) Callistus Ndubuisi Njoku. Another critical session on “Understanding the New Tax Laws: Key Highlights, Implications, Opportunities for Taxpayers and Compliance” was delivered by tax expert, Ben Chukwuka.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, explained that the training was designed to create an enabling environment for community-based contractors and deepen their understanding of opportunities within the OML 42 oil field.
He noted that Nigeria’s local content policy provides opportunities for indigenous contractors but emphasized that community vendors must meet required standards, including proper registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and relevant industry operators such as NEPL, Nekonde, and Jones Creek Hydrocarbon Limited.
Mulade further highlighted the challenges faced by contractors due to limited job opportunities across numerous host and impacted communities, revealing that OML 42 comprises about 15 host communities and over 70 impacted communities.
He encouraged contractors to form consortiums to improve their chances of securing jobs, build capacity, and gain experience through collaborative project execution.
The CEPEJ coordinator also pointed out that the programme is part of ongoing efforts by operators in the area to strengthen both leadership and technical capacity within host communities, enabling them to compete effectively with contractors from outside the region.
Some participants who spoke at the event commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
Chief Priest Yomere Oti Roland, leader of Omadino Community, said the training has broadened their understanding of contract requirements and business realities, particularly in taxation and project execution.
Similarly, Ujam Oluchi Promise of Adjost Integrated Enterprise, representing Kantu Community, described the programme as enlightening, especially the sessions on project management and tax reforms. She noted that the training exposed participants to the importance of proper documentation and the benefits of forming joint ventures to
meet industry requirements such as those of NYPEX.
Another participant, Lucha from Agile Integrated Enterprise, also expressed satisfaction, stating that the training was his first of such and had significantly improved his knowledge of running projects and navigating Nigeria’s evolving tax system.
Despite the positive feedback, participants appealed to the sponsoring companies to complement the training with actual contract opportunities, noting that many local vendors continue to renew certifications annually without securing jobs.
Certificates were handed over to participants at the end of the programme, marking the successful completion of the training.
The programme underscores ongoing efforts to build the capacity of local contractors and integrate host communities into the oil and gas value chain through knowledge, compliance, and strategic positioning.
