The Delta State Local Content Agency Bill, 2019 has scaled through the second reading in the State House of Assembly.
The Bill seeks to make it compulsory for companies and contractors operating in the state to engage fifty percent of their workers from within the state, especially the catchment area.
Opening debate on the Bill, the Majority Leader, Honourable Tim Owhefere, said apart from creating jobs the Agency would help prospective investors to source for skilled manpower from among the locals.
He said the Bill when passed and assented to would ensure that companies contribute to the development of their host communities and the state, pointing out that any violation of the law would attract six months imprisonment with an option of one million naira fine.
Speaking in favour of the Bill, the members representing Oshimili north, Honourable Pat Ajudua, Bomadi, Honourable Oboro Preyor, Ika north east, Honourable Anthony Elekeokwuri, and Ndokwa west Honourable Charles Emetulu described it as apt.
They argued that the proposed law would ensure peace between host communities and companies, explaining that the Bill also made provision for the companies to train locally sourced manpower to take over from the expatriates where necessary.
The Bill is to be presented at plenary on February 4, after scrutiny by the Committee on Environment, Oil and Gas.
Also at Tuesday’s plenary the House received nominations from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the positions of chairman and members of the Delta State Sports Commission.
The nominees are Chief Tonobok Okowa, Chairman, with Reverend Omatsola Williams, Chief Chinonye Dafe and Ernest Eweto as members.
They will be screened on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Also to be screened on Tuesday next week is Chief Lucky Ekalama who was nominated as member of the Delta State Judicial Service Commission.
The House deferred the Delta State Judiciary Fund Management Financial Autonomy Bill, 2019 before adjourning sitting to Wednesday January 22.
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