National Assembly Calls For Engagement Of Local Contractors For National Development 

The National Assembly joint committees on Works are poised to bridge the gap and build partnership by empowering local contractors in Nigeria.

This was disclosed at the Local Contractors Summit organised by the Joint committee, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

The summit was dedicated to addressing the critical challenges faced by local contractors in Nigeria.

It was also to foster dialogue, build sustainable partnerships that will enhance local contractors capacity and competitiveness.

The Chairma, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, who was represented by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, said it was important to empower local contractors to contribute to national growth.

He said in as much as it was important to involve Nigerian contractors, quality output must be the watch word.

“As we reflect on the challenges before is here, let us review our commitments to fostering a Nigeria where local contractors are empowered to drive national development. May this conference spark new ideas, cultivate meaningful partnership and inspire us all to work together towards strengthening our construction sector and advancing the growth of our nation,” Mpigi said.

He also said that the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, can play a crucial role in supporting local contractors by introducing easier access to tax credits which will ease their financial burdens.

He added that such incentives can enchant investments in the sector, providing them with much needed relief and fostering growths.

Also commenting on the summit, the Chairman House of Representatives on Works, Mr. Akin Alabi, said that there is the need to transform Nigeria’s infrastructure through the strengthening of local contractors.

He said that the summit holds the potential to unlock national development through the engagement of local contractors.

“Imagine an industry where we can consistently employ Nigeria labour, utilize local materials and offer competitive growth. The results will be a more resilient and sustainable economy with stronger indigenous player at the forefront of national progress ,” Alabi said.

He said that the Nigerian government has always recognised the importance of local content.

“And through our work in the Nation Assembly, we remain committed to passing legislations and promoting policies that will create an enabling environment for indigenous contractors to flourish. However, we also need active partnership. We need a committed effort from both the public and private sectors to break down the existing barriers and enable our indigenous contractors to rise to their full potential” he said.

He also charged the local contractors to always maintain high standards of quality and accountability in their jobs.

The President of the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, ACEN, Mr. Kam-Salem Alhaji Bukar, said that local contractors are stakeholders in the infrastructural development of Nigeria.

He promised that the association would ensure compliance to standards.

The summit was held with the theme ” Empowering Local Contractors For National Development: Bridging Gaps and Building Partnership”.

Confidence Okwuchi