Welders demand inclusion in AKK pipeline project

Welding professionals under the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) are urging the Federal Government and project operators to strictly adhere to local content regulations in the execution of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project and other Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) initiatives. The demand was made during the NIW's Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

The institute highlighted that Nigeria possesses a substantial pool of qualified welders with the necessary technical expertise and international certifications to undertake complex welding tasks. However, Nigerian welders often find themselves sidelined on major projects. A key point of contention is the alleged wide disparity in remuneration between foreign and local welders on the AKK project. Chairman of the AGM, Prof. Abdullahi Maa’ji, stated that some foreign welders earn up to N3 million, while their Nigerian counterparts receive between N200,000 and N300,000 for similar work.

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It is unacceptable that some of these foreign workers were trained by Nigerians. We have certified Nigerian welders here. Why are we bringing in foreigners?

Maa’ji expressed dismay, noting that some foreign workers were trained by Nigerians, questioning the rationale behind bringing in external personnel when qualified local professionals are available. He stressed the importance of upholding the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act to ensure greater involvement of indigenous welding professionals.

The NIW has invested in training Nigerians across various welding disciplines, with many graduates securing international employment. The institute also noted progress in developing Nigerian welding capacity to international standards, supported by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund. Increased participation of Nigerian welders in projects like AKK and other NNPC ventures is expected to reduce project costs, create employment opportunities, and retain more economic value within Nigeria. The AGM also focused on strengthening the institute's governance and rebranding the welding profession.

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The NIW had trained Nigerians across various cadres and welding processes, adding that some of its graduates had secured international employment.