We ‘ll Ensure Local Content Initiatives Benefit Nigerians, Says Lawmaker

A lawmaker, representing the Ojo Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi,  has been announced as the Deputy Chairman of the Local Content Committee of the House.

Responding to the appointment, Sowumi said:  “I see this appointment as a mandate to work tirelessly towards ensuring that the local content policies and initiatives truly benefit all Nigerians, foster economic growth, and encourage the sustainable development of our great country. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand how critical it is to support homegrown skills and companies because their survival is critical to the development of Nigeria’s economy.”

The  federal lawmaker from Lagos  expressed his delight at the appointment , describing it as a reminder of the hard work ahead.

He said:  “I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust the House leadership, and especially the Lagos Caucus in the House ably led Hon. Dolapo Badru, has placed in me.”

Sowumi’s appointment was revealed recently during the unveiling of the 134 Standing Committees announced by the House Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

A careful review of the list of committee appointments shows that among the 24 representatives from Lagos State, a total of 17 were assigned committee chairman’s positions, making Lagos a significant contributor to the legislative affairs of the House of Representatives.

Sowunmi, however, stands out as the sole representative from the Lagos State on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) to be assigned as deputy chairman of a Standing Committee of the House, signifying the recognition of his “expertise, sterling leadership and pro-Nigerian approach in achieving common goals for the betterment of the nation.”

Other representatives from Lagos on the platform of Labour Party were assigned different roles in the Parliamentary Friendship Group. Parliamentary Friendship Group is a caucus or political group with the responsibility of maintaining cordial relationships with other parliamentarians from other countries.

The Local Content Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies and initiatives that promote the participation of Nigerians and Nigerian companies in the country’s economic development and the utilisation of indigenous resources in various sectors. The committee ensures that it monitors and enforces the law that provides for preference to Nigerian citizens and companies in the procurement of goods and services in all sectors of the economy.

It also seeks the transfer of skills and technology to Nigerians during the execution of projects where public funds belonging to the federal government or any of its agencies are used.