By Akpos Oghenetega,
A Warri-based oil and gas contractor, Chief Kenneth Bramor, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to support local content in order to build capacity and grow the economy.
Bramor, in statement on Tuesday while refuting media publications describing him as a staff of SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd, said he was at no time a staff of Saipem, but a contractor to the firm.
According to him, he does business with Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd, Daewoo Nig Limited, Shell, Chevron, and other oil servicing companies operating in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on the need to support local oil and gas companies, Bramor said with such support the oil and gas industry would be able to grow local content, build capacity and create employment for unemployed graduates and youths in the country.
Bramor noted that his companies have provided employment to restive Niger Delta youths and have continued to train youths in the region to build their capacity and make them employable in the industry.
While calling for more indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, he added that such step would help stabilize the restive oil-rich Niger Delta region as many youths would be gainfully employed.
The oil magnate also appealed to banks to reduce their lending rates to local communities in the country so as to grow the economy.