Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Says Building Local Capacity A Strategic Move to Reduce Unemployment

•Commends military’s use of local contractors in project execution

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian workforce is the most effective strategy to combat unemployment in the country.

He also commended the military for its reliance on direct labor and local contractors in executing its projects.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made this remark during a familiarization visit to the 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State, where he met with Brigade Commander Brigadier General Folu Shonibare.

The purpose of the visit was not an oversight assignment but to better understand the operations, challenges, and prospects of military formations within his constituency.

The senator, representing Delta South Senatorial District, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding local capacity.

He stated, “I want to acknowledge the military’s use of direct labor and local contractors where appropriate. This is a positive step towards empowering our local artisans and graduates.”

According to the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, “Let me use this opportunity to briefly talk about the Local content act. As Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content, let me commend the military for the use of direct labor and also using local contractors where it becomes necessary.

“Let me reaffirm the commitment of Mr. President in growing local capacity. Growing local capacity is the sure way to creating employment for our teeming graduates and artisans.

“As industry operators, we cannot blame the federal government for the unemployment when we are the ones aiding and abetting those who are determined to bypass the law.

“We all have a share responsibility. We have to actively be seen to support this Government initiative to create massive employment for our people. Never again, will jobs met for our people outsourced to expatriates.”

Senator Joel-Onowakpo assured Nigerians that the Senate would ensure that Nigerian contractor will get what was due them, and called for continued support of the President Tinubu’s administration.