Senate Committee Applauds NCDMB, Pledges Strong Legislative Backing for Local Content Development

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) received a significant boost on Thursday as the Senate Committee on Local Content commended its impressive strides and pledged sustained legislative support for its initiatives. This endorsement came during an oversight visit by the Committee to the Board’s facilities and project sites in Bayelsa State.

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, lauded the NCDMB for effectively implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010. He praised the Board’s efforts in creating a conducive environment for the oil and gas sector, promoting indigenous businesses, generating employment, and advancing local skills development.

Senator Onowakpo reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding local capacity in the oil and gas industry as well as other critical sectors. He emphasized the transformative potential of local content development, stating, “The benefits of local content cannot be overemphasized. It creates jobs, develops essential assets and skills, boosts local enterprise growth, improves balance of payments, and reduces our reliance on foreign goods and services.”

He assured the Board of the Committee’s readiness to collaborate closely in ensuring the effective implementation of the Act. “We will not just provide oversight,” he said, “but also support policy formulation and stakeholder engagement that fosters a thriving environment for local content growth and job creation.”

NCDMB Showcases Achievements and Future Plans

In a detailed presentation on the Board’s activities, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe—represented by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu—outlined the Board’s operational framework and progress. He provided insights into the Nigerian Content Implementation Framework, the organizational structure, office network, revenue and expenditure analysis, investment portfolio, and future strategic plans.

One of the key highlights of the presentation was the impressive performance of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI), which has recorded over 90% repayment—a rare feat in development financing.

The Board’s tangible achievements were also spotlighted, including:

• Commissioning of a 10,000 MT capacity galvanizing plant at Daewoo Yard, Port Harcourt, increasing national capacity to over 180,000 MT.

• Completion of the NEDO 300MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering Facility in Delta State.

• Near-completion of the NOGaPS industrial parks at Emeyal 1 (Bayelsa) and Odukpani (Cross River).

• Commissioning of a 10 MW power plant.

• Development of the EGINA FPSO integration facility—the first and largest of its kind in Africa.

Looking ahead, the Board revealed its plans for the ongoing construction of the NCDMB Gas Hub for gas-based industries and eight additional industrial parks across Nigeria. It also introduced the Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative, a human capacity development programme designed to equip local communities with relevant industry skills.

Calls for Legislative Intervention

Alhaji Halilu appealed to the legislators to support key policy changes, including the exclusion of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) from statutory revenue deductions, in line with Section 104 of the NOGICD Act. He also urged the Senate to address infrastructure gaps and align laws in other sectors with the local content philosophy.

National Assembly Pledges Deeper Collaboration

Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ede Dafinone, assured that the National Assembly is fully aligned with the NCDMB’s vision. “They have shown us the critical areas where we can assist,” he said. “We’re committed to strengthening the Board’s programmes and expanding Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry.”

Other members of the Committee present during the oversight visit included Senators Osita Izunaso, Ipalibo Gogo Banigo, Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Aniekan Bassey, Eze Kenneth Emeka, Ezra Okechukwu, Isa Shu’aibu Lau, Tony Nwoye, John Williams Eno, Amos Yohana, and Ezra Okehukwu. The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to further collaboration and support.