Jonathan, Tony Attah, and Others Honoured at Inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards

By Ikojie Emmanuel

In a landmark event celebrating Nigerian excellence and commitment to local capacity in the oil and gas sector, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was honoured with the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award at the first-ever Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The awards ceremony was organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in collaboration with Sweetcrude Ltd, and coincided with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025.

The event recognised both individuals and corporations who have significantly advanced local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and national development.

Celebrating Champions of Local Content

In his opening address, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, highlighted the importance of celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions to the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

“The time has come to identify and celebrate pillars of Nigerian Content who shall serve as a shining example of what is expected of others in the industry,” he remarked.

Dr. Jonathan Reflects on the Birth of Nigerian Content Law

While receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Jonathan recalled how he signed the Nigerian Content Bill into law in 2010 during his time as Acting President. He said the urgency was inspired by global examples and a conversation with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who lamented Nigeria’s underutilisation of its oil wealth.

He commended Senator Lee Maeba, a major proponent of the bill, and praised the NCDMB for turning the legislative vision into a practical and impactful success story.

“It’s not just about legislation—it’s about transforming lives, economies, and national dignity,” Dr. Jonathan said.

Industry Icons Recognised

Another major honouree of the night was Engr. Tony Attah, former Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited and current MD of Renaissance Africa Energy, who was named “Nigerian Content Icon of the Year”. His leadership during the Final Investment Decision for the NLNG Train 7 project and the landmark Service Level Agreement signed with NCDMB in 2017 earned him the prestigious recognition.

Other standout winners included:

• Professor Emenike Ejiogu (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) – Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year

• Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun, CEO of Starzs Investments – Women in Leadership Award

Corporate Champions of Content

Top-performing companies also took centre stage:

• Shell Petroleum Development Company (now Renaissance Africa Energy) – International Upstream Operator of the Year

• Aradel Holdings – Independent Upstream Operator of the Year

• NLNG – Midstream Operator of the Year

• Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company – Downstream Operator of the Year

• Dorman Long Engineering – Indigenous Service Company of the Year

• Technip FMC – International Service Company of the Year

• Bank of Industry (BOI) – Financial Services Provider of the Year

• ThisDay Newspapers – Media Organisation of the Year

Transparent Selection and Credible Advisory

According to Mr. Wole Akinyosoye, a member of the Award Advisory Committee, recipients were chosen using strict metrics. Criteria included operational consistency, job creation, gas resource monetization, compliance with local content laws, and contributions to energy security.

The Advisory Committee was chaired by Engr. Ernest Nwapa, pioneer Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, and included Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim of the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPO), alongside Akinyosoye himself.

The Champions of Nigerian Content Awards spotlight the trailblazers powering local content development and innovation. As the oil and gas sector continues to evolve, these awards set a benchmark for excellence, sustainability, and Nigerian pride on the global stage.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights on impactful leadership, industry milestones, and the future of Nigerian energy.