Under the terms of the new local content law, oil and gas operators working in Nigeria must give first priority to Nigerian workers in regards to training and employment.

This is one of the key tenets of the law identified by Mondaq in a comprehensive review of the legislation, which was signed by acting president Goodluck Jonathan earlier this month.

Companies will also be required to submit an education and training plan including hiring and training needs of the operator, a breakdown of required skills and shortages in the Nigerian labour force and anticipated training requirements and expenditure for such training.

A timeline will also need to be drawn up for new projects outlining the employment opportunities and requirements during each stage of development, while quarterly reports will evaluate progress in the Nigerianisation programme.

The group also explained that at junior and intermediate levels, companies will be required to fill job postings using only Nigerian workers.

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