. ‘Aspiration to Execution,’ NCDMB’s Executive Secretary Gives Updates On Local Content Milestones At NOGOF 2025
Nigeria has demanded the revamp of human capacity development (HCD) by the 54 producers in the country to actualise the production aspiration incluing the 1.8 million barrels per day oil production quota given to the country by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who said this in an address at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair (NOGOF) in Yenagoa, South South Nigeria, reeled out the local content success story.
Stating that the Nigerian Content has moved from aspiration to execution, maintaining; “What we do in the Board has been further reiterated by President Bola Tinubu’s newly introduced “Nigeria First Policy.
The policy by the President, Ogbe continued, is a “bold, forward-thinking move” for our Nigerian Content drive. We must commend Mr. President for this laudable initiative.
“Today, we are proud to say that Nigerian content has moved from aspiration to execution. From well equipped, ISO certified fabrication yards in Port Harcourt, Warri, Lagos, to modular refineries in Imo and Delta States, and from pipe mills to marine vessel ownership, Nigerians are not just participating—they are delivering at the highest level.
“However, the real opportunity lies ahead. As we move towards rebalancing our economy and increasing oil and gas production, it is imperative that we deepen indigenous participation—not only in upstream services but across midstream and downstream operations.
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“The sale of onshore assets by the IOCs to indigenous companies is a bold step and strategic shift towards deeper local participation and value retention.
“I use this opportunity to congratulate Renaissance, Seplat, Oando and all our indigenous companies on their milestone achievements. I encourage you not to relent.
“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. Let’s ensure we use what we have at home first before we commot go outside oooo.
“Let me be clear, no nation achieves energy security or industrial prosperity by outsourcing its core capabilities. Our strength must lie in the expertise of our people, the enterprise of our local businesses, and the robustness of our institutions. I cannot emphasize this enough!
“To this extent, I charge the IOCs and indigenous operators to revamp our Human Capital Development (HCD) initiatives. We are mindful of the numerous trainings already conducted. The need to quickly deliver on more trainings is critical. With the increase in activities in the oil and gas industry, I urge that we step-up our trainings. I look forward to your support in ensuring that all trainings under appropriate projects are conducted immediately.
“At NCDMB, we remain unwavering in our commitment to creating the right policies, providing funding mechanisms, and partnerships to support Nigerian businesses.
“I am happy to announce that the Board alongside other stakeholders recently formed the Africa Energy Bank with the proposed Headquarters in Abuja. The Bank will be open for business before the end of the 2nd quarter in 2025. We are hopeful that this will create more funding availability for local companies.
“We are also fostering innovation through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Technology (NOGTECH) Hackathon and incubating new ideas that will drive digital transformation and sustainability.
“Let me also emphasize that NOGOF itself is a key part of our strategy—providing stakeholders early visibility of upcoming projects. Visibility begets preparedness. And preparedness begets participation. To our international partners, I say this: Nigeria is open for business. But more importantly, Nigeria is ready to do business in a way that shares value fairly, builds local ecosystems, and creates jobs for our youth.
“To our indigenous players: step up. The opportunities are vast, but so is the responsibility. Providing mentorship to younger generations is key and very important. Additionally, embrace global standards, invest in capacity building, form strategic alliances, and aim to compete not just in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
“And to all stakeholders, let us commit to one shared goal: building a sustainable oil and gas industry anchored on Nigerian capability, innovation, and resilience.
28. As we deliberate over the next few days, let us do so with clarity of purpose and unity of vision. The Nigerian oil and gas industry must evolve—beyond just producing barrels, to creating value, jobs, and prosperity for all.”
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