Nigeria First Policy: NCDMB Mandates Local Preference in Oil & Gas Procurement

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence and stimulate local enterprise, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has introduced a game-changing directive — the Nigeria First Policy.

Announced at the 24th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, the new policy was presented by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, during the Nigerian Content Seminar.

A Strategic Shift in Oil & Gas Procurement

Engr. Ogbe emphasized that the Nigeria First Policy is more than just a rule — it’s a strategic national imperative. Rooted in President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic sovereignty, the policy is designed to prioritize Nigerian goods and services across the oil and gas sector.

“The Nigeria First Policy is rooted in a simple but powerful principle,” Ogbe said. “All goods or services produced and/or available locally will not be procured from foreign sources unless there is a clear and justifiable reason.”

This approach marks a shift from mere compliance to proactive nation-building, transforming local content enforcement into a tool for resilience, job creation, and inclusive growth.

Anchored in Law and Presidential Vision

Referencing Section 3(1) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, Ogbe reminded stakeholders that local goods and services must be given first consideration — provided they meet required standards.

The policy also ties directly into two of President Tinubu’s Eight Presidential Focus Areas:

• Economic Empowerment

• Job Creation

To institutionalize the policy, NCDMB is currently developing a Nigeria First Procurement Policy, which will be incorporated into the evaluation and approval process for Nigerian Content Plans and Compliance Certifications.

Assessing Local Capacity and Manufacturing Strength

To support this policy, the NCDMB plans to launch a baseline study that will evaluate the capacity of indigenous service providers and map out domestic manufacturers of oil and gas consumables. This step will help align local supply with national demand and open up new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

Youth Empowerment Through “Back-To-The-Creek” Programme

Ogbe also highlighted another NCDMB initiative — the Back-To-The-Creek Programme — which targets youth empowerment in oil-producing communities. This includes:

• Vocational training

• ICT and STEM education

• Teacher incentives

This program aims to boost technical capacity, increase human capital, and prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the energy sector.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Investment in Nigeria’s Future

The Nigeria First Policy represents more than short-term reform. It’s a long-term investment in Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem, with the potential to unlock local capabilities, restore trust in domestic enterprises, and ensure a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.

 By The Whistler