NCDMB Chief Urges West African Ventures, Indigenous Firms to Target Deepwater Opportunities

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called on leading indigenous oil and gas service providers to expand their operations into the deepwater segment, describing it as the next frontier of opportunities for Nigeria’s energy sector.

The charge was delivered by NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, during a facility tour of West African Ventures (WAV) Nigeria Limited in Onne, Rivers State.

Ogbe, who once awarded WAV its first offshore pipe-laying contract while serving as Construction Manager at Chevron Nigeria Limited, expressed admiration for the company’s growth and infrastructure.

“You have worked hard; you are a very good company. What I have seen today is impressive – from your 50mm rolling mill, ocean-going vessels, fabrication yards, to heavy-duty load-out cranes. Indigenous firms like WAV must now look at offshore and deepwater operations because that is where the future lies,” Ogbe said.

He stressed that while projects are awarded competitively, NCDMB is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and indigenous participation.

WAV’s Managing Director, Mr. Michael Dumbi Amaeshike, highlighted the company’s 40-year legacy of capacity building, noting that many industry leaders in engineering, procurement, and maritime services had their roots at WAV.

The firm has invested heavily in fabrication technology, offshore bases, and advanced pipe profiling equipment. However, Amaeshike appealed for greater patronage to match its capabilities.

The NCDMB delegation on the tour included senior directors across capacity building, finance, legal, planning, and logistics, further demonstrating the Board’s commitment to strengthening indigenous service companies.