From Ben Dunno, Warri
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of the local content act in encouraging indigenous oil firms to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts especially in the areas of maintenance and fabrication of oil rigs and platform equipment.
Speaking when he visited Lee Engineering and Construction Company in Warri, Delta State at the weekend, Obasanjo commended the owner of the company, Mr. Leemon Ikpea and his management team for their commitment in showcasing that indigenous firms can attain such an international standard if giving the enabling environment.
Obasanjo, who could not hid his joy over the impact the company has made in the oil and gas sector growth over the years, noted that what impressed him most was that it was based on the Local Content Act, he signed into law while in office, that the company consolidated on to achieve the feat.
“It gives me joy that I am alive today, to see the positive result of the local content bill I signed into law while in office being taking an advantage of by an indigenous company to achieve so much in the development of the nation’s oil and gas sector.
“I have come and I’ve seen this myself today and believe me, I keep saying it everywhere I go. People always say I don’t know how to keep secret and that was what landed me in jail last time but I won’t stop talking. I will keep talking about this achievements I’ve seen here, everywhere I go. Be rest assured,” he said.
Earlier, the company Chairman, Mr. Ikpea, disclosed that the company was moved by passion and drive for excellence to be able to achieve this much, adding that the company would not compromise anything for quality in its services.