Nigeria should focus on developing the local content of its oil and gas industry, it has been claimed.

Writing for Business Day, Olusola Bello said that it is necessary for the country to develop the local oil and gas industry, adding there are certain steps towards doing this.

In particular, the industry commentator noted that programmes at energy-related institutions should be looked at and amended.

He advocated increased collaboration between universities and international practices, so the curriculum for oil and gas education is relevant and modern.

Mr Bello wrote: "There is need for support in strengthening the institutions and systems that enables local content development through training, capacity building and human resource development."

In recent news, OMEL, a joint body consisting of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and LN Mittal group, revealed it is to set-up a new refinery in Nigeria that will cost around $4 billion (£2.36 billion).

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development