By Ono Yima
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) convened media professionals in Abuja for a one-day Capacity Building Workshop, designed to highlight the critical role of the media in promoting Nigerian Content within the country’s oil and gas sector.
The workshop brought together journalists, industry stakeholders, and experts to explore how responsible reporting, storytelling, and digital innovation can support local capacity growth, accountability, and long-term value creation. Participants engaged in practical sessions, keynote presentations, and interactive discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and the Nigerian Content ecosystem.
Azu Ishiekwene, Group Managing Director of Leadership Newspaper, delivered a session titled “From Pen to Profit,” where he shared strategies on creativity, digital monetisation, and building sustainable income in today’s evolving media landscape. Ishiekwene emphasised the importance of adapting journalistic practice to support both professional growth and the wider economic development agenda.
Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services at NCDMB, provided an overview of the Board’s mandate and achievements, highlighting the growth of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas sector from 42% to 61%, with a strategic target of 70% by 2027. He underscored the importance of media engagement in reinforcing transparency, promoting industry best practices, and advancing the country’s local content agenda.
The workshop was part of NCDMB’s broader efforts to enhance the capacity of media stakeholders to effectively report on developments in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, ensuring informed public discourse and fostering a culture of accountability.
By equipping journalists with tools, insights, and practical skills, the Board aims to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between media coverage and the advancement of Nigerian Content, ultimately supporting industrial growth and economic diversification.