By Els Williams
At the 13th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, holding in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix O. Ogbe (FNSE), delivered a keynote address that charted a bold course for the future of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry. With the theme “Defining the New Frontier of Nigerian Content Implementation,” the forum underscored the Board’s commitment to driving local participation and innovation under the guiding framework of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Ogbe reflected on the significance of the occasion, particularly as it marks his first forum as Executive Secretary. He outlined the Board’s strategic focus, which since 2017 has been directed by a ‘10-Year Strategic Roadmap’ built on five core pillars and four enabling factors. This roadmap, he emphasized, has been instrumental in steering Nigerian content to unprecedented levels, achieving a growth from 26% in 2016 to 56% by 2024.
Under the roadmap, the NCDMB has made remarkable progress in building the capacity of Nigerian companies and individuals. Engr. Ogbe highlighted infrastructure developments, regulatory advancements, and strategic partnerships as key drivers of this success. These efforts have not only streamlined operational efficiencies, such as reducing contracting cycle times but also established cutting-edge facilities and expanded the scope of local participation in the industry.
“Our investments in projects like the Kwale Gas Gathering facility in Delta State and partnerships that delivered LPG storage and bottling plants in Kaduna and Katsina States are practical examples of how we are redefining local content,” Engr. Ogbe stated.
A cornerstone of the NCDMB’s vision is its commitment to Human Capital Development (HCD). Initiatives like cadetship training programs, graduate internships, and specialized skills development have provided opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians to participate actively in the oil and gas sector. The establishment of engineering and information hubs at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State exemplifies the Board’s focus on education and research as tools for empowerment.
Engr. Ogbe also announced the ‘Back to the Creek’ initiative, a transformative program designed to equip youths in oil-producing communities with industry-relevant skills, enhance educational infrastructure, and provide scholarships and employment opportunities. “This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.
According to the ES, Looking ahead, the NCDMB is set to deepen its impact through innovative programs and infrastructure. The revised Community Contractors Financing Scheme has allocated ₦15 billion to improve access to funding for local contractors, while the establishment of a fully operational Nigerian Content Academy will ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry.
Moreover, the Board plans to enhance its Zonal Offices, making them fully operational hubs for collaboration across various directorates. This expansion, coupled with a renewed focus on fostering partnerships, positions the NCDMB as a key enabler of economic growth and innovation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Engr. Ogbe also celebrated the NCDMB’s accolades, including its top ranking in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and recognition as a trailblazer in compliance report. These achievements, he noted, are a testament to the Board’s commitment to excellence and accountability.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Ogbe called on all stakeholders to embrace a spirit of collaboration, quoting Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” He expressed optimism about the Board’s ability to surpass its 2027 targets, driven by the collective resolve of industry players and the resilience of the Nigerian people.
The 13th PNC Forum serves not only as a reflection of the NCDMB’s achievements but also as a rallying point for stakeholders to redefine the boundaries of Nigerian content. Engr. Ogbe’s address captured the essence of this vision: a united effort to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that local content continues to be a driver of sustainable development and prosperity for Nigeria.
The PNC continues today; and would wind up tomorrow.