NCDMB Executive Secretary Highlights Indigenous Capacity as Key to Oil & Gas Growth
By Ikojie Emmanuel
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has emphasized the strategic importance of indigenous capacity development in shaping a sustainable future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He made this assertion on Wednesday during his welcome address at the 5th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) currently ongoing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking on the theme, “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development,” Ogbe described the fair as a critical platform for fostering collaboration, enhancing project visibility, and promoting the participation of local companies across the oil and gas value chain.
“This year’s theme — ‘Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development’ — could not be more timely,” he said. “It coincides with the 15th year anniversary of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.”
Since its enactment, the Board has increased in-country value retention from 5 percent to 56 percent as of December 2024.
Ogbe highlighted Nigeria’s progress in local content development, citing the rise of ISO-certified fabrication yards in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Lagos, modular refineries in Imo and Delta States, and increased ownership of marine vessels by Nigerians.
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s recent Executive Orders aimed at revitalizing the oil and gas sector, describing them as bold and forward-thinking. He also lauded the newly introduced “Nigeria First Policy” as a strong reinforcement of NCDMB’s mandate.
“Today, we are proud to say that Nigerian content has moved from aspiration to execution,” Ogbe declared. “Nigerians are not just participating — they are delivering at the highest level.”
Reflecting on the growing role of indigenous firms, the Executive Secretary acknowledged the ongoing transfer of onshore assets from International Oil Companies (IOCs) to Nigerian operators as a strategic step toward deeper local participation and value retention. He congratulated companies such as Renaissance, Seplat, and Oando on recent milestones and urged them to sustain the momentum.
Ogbe called on IOCs to prioritize local firms in upcoming projects like UBETA, Bonga North, and Zabazaba, urging industry players to “use what we have at home first before we go outside.”
“We must sustain the momentum, and come together to support this local content stride in terms of procurement, capacity building, knowledge transfer, job creation and mentorship for upcoming investors.
“With opportunities like UBETA, Bonga North, Zabazaba coming onstream, great opportunities are provided for Nigerian companies to further demonstrate their capacity. I encourage the IOCs to make conscious effort to engage local companies in line with the provisions of our laws,” he said.
The Executive Secretary announced a major milestone in funding with the formation of the Africa Energy Bank, expected to be operational by the end of the second quarter of 2025, with its headquarters in Abuja. The bank is expected to provide increased financial access for Nigerian oil and gas companies.
He also reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to human capital development, urging operators to scale up training efforts in response to rising industry activities.
“Let me be clear, no nation achieves energy security or industrial prosperity by outsourcing its core capabilities,” he emphasized.
Ogbe called on indigenous players to mentor young entrepreneurs, adopt global standards, and explore opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders. He urged all stakeholders to rally around a shared goal of building a resilient and value-driven oil and gas sector.
In closing, he hinted at infrastructure developments ahead of NOGOF 2027, stating that the Board’s conference hotel project would be fully operational by then.
NOGOF is one of the flagship events of the NCDMB, and draws key stakeholders from across the energy value chain to explore opportunities and deepen investment in Nigeria’s evolving oil and gas industry.
