By Ali Elias
Theme: Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content and Scaling Energy Production
YENAGOA — The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Tuesday set a decisive tone for Nigeria’s energy future as he unveiled a slate of new policy tools, financing schemes, regulatory reforms, and strategic initiatives at the opening of the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum holding at the Nigerian Content Tower, Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The four-day forum, themed “Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content and Scaling Energy Production,” formally commenced with Ogbe’s keynote address—one that blended sober stocktaking with a forward-facing roadmap for strengthening local capacity across the oil, gas, and broader energy landscape.
This year’s PNC follows a warm Welcome Dinner hosted on Monday night by Hobark International Limited, where Ogbe welcomed delegates and emphasised partnership, shared responsibility, and renewed commitment to deepening Nigerian Content. A parallel welcome message by Wenimmo Oyelana, Portfolio & Country Director of DMG, Nigeria Events, highlighted the evolving role of PNC as a hub for collaboration, industry alignment, and national economic advancement.
In his keynote, Ogbe delivered a concise but robust outline of the Board’s achievements and new directions. He announced the establishment of a $100 million Equity Investment Scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower high-growth indigenous energy service companies while diversifying the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF). The signing of the partnership between NCDMB and BOI was performed today, as one of the key events of this year’s PNC
The Executive Secretary also unveiled the NCDF Compliance Certificate, which becomes effective January 1, 2026. The certificate will serve as verification of companies’ fulfilment of their 1% remittance obligations and will be required for critical Board permits and approvals.
On community-focused programmes, Ogbe revealed that access to funding under the Community Contractors Scheme has expanded, with 94 disbursements recorded in 2025 alone. He further announced the transition plan for the Project 100 companies, with a new cohort to be onboarded following an exit programme scheduled for April 2026.
Looking ahead, Ogbe disclosed that NCDMB will review its seven operating guidelines between Q1 and Q2 2026, while also finalising the legal and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS), paving the way for commencement of operations at Odukpani and Emeyal 1 Parks.
He also confirmed progress on the Nigerian Content Academy, which launched its lecture series in 2025 and has so far delivered seven industry-focused sessions. The Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, he added, is now in full construction phase after mobilisation to site in July 2025.
Reinforcing the Board’s regulatory posture, Ogbe stated that effective January 1, 2026, the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates (NCECs) and related certifications will no longer be transferable, closing the door on middlemen and strengthening due process in the tendering system.
The Executive Secretary highlighted several upcoming initiatives, including the 2026 R&D Fair and the launch of the NCDMB Technology Challenge in Q1 2026. He also announced the rollout of the Field Readiness Training Programme for high-demand skills, which has already attracted over 11,000 applications.
On project monitoring, Ogbe listed key ongoing national projects under NCDMB oversight, such as SNEPCo Bonga North Tranche 1, Renaissance EPU Phase 3, TotalEnergies Ubeta Gas Development, NNPC AKK Pipeline, OB3 Gas Pipeline, ELPS Phase 3, Odidi–Warri Expansion, and NLNG Train 7.
A major highlight came when Ogbe announced that Nigerian Content levels in projects monitored by the Board have risen from 56% to 61% in 2025 — a milestone reflecting deepened indigenous participation and strengthened regulatory enforcement.
As part of its social investment programmes, Ogbe reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to its Back-to-Creek Initiative, designed to transform STEM education in rural Niger Delta communities. Feasibility studies and site assessments for pilot schools have been completed, with implementation plans underway.
This year’s PNC also introduces a new Townhall Session between NCDMB and industry stakeholders — “a platform for frank conversations, feedback, and shared growth,” Ogbe said.
He concluded with a call for unity of purpose: “The work before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. Let us move forward with renewed purpose and the firm belief that Nigerian Content is key to national development and industrialisation.”
The 2025 PNC Forum continues through Thursday, with panel sessions, technical dialogues, exhibitions, and, as usual, a scheduled industry site visit.