NCDMB PARTICIPATES IN AFRICA OIL WEEK 2026, CHAMPIONS LOCAL CONTENT AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Africa Oil Week (AOW 2026) is a leading international conference, networking, and exhibition programme focused on Africa’s oil, gas, and upstream energy sector. The event brings together industry leaders, governments, regulators, investors, and service providers to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape the continent’s energy future
The Africa Local Content Programme themed “Building African Capacity, Competitiveness and Collaboration Across the Upstream Value Chain,” was organised in partnership with the NCDMB, the African Union (AU) and the Petroleum Commission Ghana. The programme featured high-level discussions aimed at advancing African capacity, competitiveness and collaboration across the upstream value chain.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe delivered the opening remarks at the event, speaking on the theme, “From Resource Ownership to Industrial Power.”
He was represented by the Director, Corporate Services, NCDMB, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, who highlighted the need for African countries to move beyond resource ownership and focus on building sustainable industrial capacity, creating greater value from their natural resources and positioning African businesses to compete globally.
He stressed that “local content frameworks must promote the development and utilization of African cross border capacities for the industrialization of Africa.”
He further identified local content value proposition to includeresearch and technology development, local employment, strategic partnerships, ownership and control of assets, supply chain optimization, sustainable operations, increase production and utilization of locally made good and contributions to gross domestic product (GDP).
The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Mr. Ajimijaye Omomehin, participated in discussions on “Harmonising and Standardising Technology and Policy: Driving Change through the Brazzaville Accord,” which focused on the importance of policy and technology alignment in driving regional energy development.
Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, moderated the session on “Market Entry Insights: Unlocking Africa’s Most Compelling Upstream Opportunities,” while Dr. Hailu joined other industry stakeholders as a panelist to discuss the strategies and enablers that will accelerate investment in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector. The discussants agreed that local content can be used to attract investments and lower the cost of operations, while Africa oil producers must ensure stability of regulations in their jurisdictions, while taking other steps will attract investment capital.
NCDMB officials also featured in several strategic sessions, contributing the Board’s experience and perspectives on critical issues shaping the future of Africa’s energy industry.
Mr. Erefagha Turner, Assistant Manager Planning, Research and Statistics contributed to discussions on “Unlocking Capital for African Content Growth,” with emphasis on creating financing pathways to support the growth of indigenous businesses across the continent. He described the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) as a successful financing model that has helped service companies to grow capacities.
Engr. Dokubo Obongo, Manager Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building contributed to the session on “Investing in Talent: Building Africa’s Energy Workforce,” highlighting the importance of skills development and investment in human capital as essential requirements for building a globally competitive African energy workforce.
Mr. Ajimijaye Omomehin, also contributed to discussions on “Building Regional Oil & Gas Industrial Hubs.”
The various sessions highlighted the importance of access to capital, policy harmonisation, technology, talent development and regional collaboration in transforming Africa’s abundant natural resources into sustainable industrial and economic opportunities.
NCDMB’s participation at the Africa Oil Week further reflected its commitment to advancing local content development, strengthening African capacity and promoting collaboration towards building an integrated, competitive and sustainable energy industry across the continent.
Obinna Ezeobi, PhD
GM Corporate Communications Division
September 2, 2026
