Nigeria's acting president has signed the local content bill into law, paving the way for higher domestic participation in the oil and gas industry and more extensive training requirements.

Goodluck Jonathan signed the bill into law in the nation's capital Abuja, declaring: "This bill seeks to address the compelling need for us as a nation to have indigenous participation in the industry."

Analysts estimate that local participation in the oil and gas industry stands at around 40 per cent, with the majority of skilled and executive-level positions being taken on by foreigners.

Under the new law, foreign oil companies will be required to commit additional funds to training local workers to allow them to participate more fully in the sector.

Next Nigeria reports that the country's oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has also this week enacted a number of executive-level restructurings at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp and the Department of Petroleum Resources, acting in line with directives issued by Mr Jonathan.

Getenergy for Western Africa