The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has approved four firms for the supply of barites required for any drilling project or contract in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The approved barites processors are Nishan Industries Limited (Port Harcourt, Rivers State), Delta Prospectors Limited (Lafia, Nasarawa State), Ana Industries Limited (Port Harcourt, Rivers State), and Baker Hughes Company Limited (Onne Port, Rivers State).
NCDMB Executive Secretary Mr Simbi Wabote signed the Public Notice on Procurement of Barites for Oil and Gas Projects, requiring that all project promoters in the Nigerian oil and gas industry procure barites only from approved Nigerian processing companies holding a Category A Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC). Ten additional companies have been identified and are being upgraded to Category A NCEC as they meet the relevant guidelines.
The Board stated that it is mandated to develop the capacity of the local supply chain through direct capacity development interventions and investment support, and has a key responsibility to ensure these investors are protected in line with the intents of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. Companies violating the public notice face consequences including the refusal of a Certificate of Authorisation and exclusion from operator tenders. NCDMB will require quarterly reports from operating companies confirming procurement of barites from approved suppliers.
