By Elo Edremoda, Warri

The Delta State government Local Content Agency has promised to ensure that companies across the state comply with agreements signed with hosts communities.

Director-General of the agency, Morris Idiovwa stated this during the establishment of the agency’s office at the Governor’s Annex, Edjeba in Warri South Local Government Area of the state yesterday.

According to him, the agency, with its headquarters in the state capital, Asaba, will enhance the industrialization drive of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led government.

Noting that the agency is empowered to sue any company that fails to comply with agreements signed with their host communities, Idiovwa said “we will ensure that all companies comply with that policy. But first and most importantly, the environment should be secure for business, be stabilized.”

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Urging people of Delta and investors to henceforth “liaise” with the agency on matters bothering on local content host communities and companies relationship, he added that its creation became necessary giving the coastal nature of Delta State, which plays host to several extractive industries.

The establishment of the agency is pursuant to Section 3 of the Delta State Local Content Agency Law September 2020.

Idiovwa further disclosed in a statement that among other functions, the agency will “aid local indigenous companies to exploit local opportunities while staying competitive.

“Organise specialised programmes and training for entrepreneurship development, including start-up, establishment and economic empowerment of community contractors and workers.

“Coordinate and embark on programs to increase indigenous Local Content in the operation of companies in Delta State.

“Facilitate the provision of local content jobs and project partners through a network of local, national and international organizations and agencies, as well as private sector bodies, community-based and civil society organisations in the state.”