By Ali Elias
“NCDMB Observes The Highest Standards Of Accountability, Transparency, And Due Process In Its Operations”
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has strongly refuted the false and misleading allegations published by Sahara Reporters on February 12, 2025. The report, titled EXCLUSIVE: NIGERIAN CONTENT BOARD NCDMB BOSS OGBE SPENDS N7 BILLION ON CONSULTANCY, OVER 580 MILLION ON 5-DAY LONDON TRAINING, LOGISTICS, ALLOWANCES, is riddled with inaccuracies and baseless assertions.
The Board unequivocally states that neither the NCDMB nor its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has spent the amounts stated in the publication. “These allegations are entirely false and misleading. The Board follows a stringent financial and procurement process, and every expenditure undergoes thorough approval in line with government regulations,” said Engr. Ogbe.
Commitment to Due Process and Good Governance
Since the establishment of the NCDMB, the organization has been guided by a 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, formulated in 2017, to achieve 70% in-country retention of oil and gas industry spending by 2027. As part of this framework, the Board organizes a biennial Strategic Workshop with key stakeholders, including ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the government, to align policies and enhance the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
“The workshops we organize are crucial in ensuring policy alignment and fostering collaboration across relevant agencies. These engagements are conducted with full financial accountability and oversight,” said Dr. Ginah O. Ginah, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, NCDMB.
These engagements and all other Board activities adhere strictly to financial and procurement guidelines, ensuring accountability at every stage. The NCDMB operates under stringent government regulations and is subject to oversight by regulatory bodies. The Public Procurement Act 2007, the NOGICD Act, and other statutes govern every expenditure, ensuring that financial activities are conducted transparently and responsibly.
Recognized Excellence in Transparency
The NCDMB’s adherence to due process and transparency has earned the organization notable recognition. The Board ranked first three consecutive times in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Report for Ease of Doing Business, Transparency, and Accountability among MDAs. Additionally, the Board has received prestigious awards such as the Nigeria Govtech Award and the Distinguished Govtech Trailblazers Award from the Bureau for Public Sector Reform (BPSR) for its excellence in digital governance and public sector innovation.
“Our track record speaks for itself. We have consistently been recognized for our commitment to good governance and transparency. It is unfortunate that false reports attempt to undermine our credibility,” Engr. Ogbe stated.
The Danger of Unverified Reporting
The NCDMB finds it deeply regrettable that Sahara Reporters, known for sensationalism, published unverified claims without seeking clarification from the Board’s Corporate Communications Department. This reckless approach to journalism misleads the public, damages reputations, and undermines the integrity of responsible reporting.
“We operate an open-door policy, and our Corporate Communications team is always available for inquiries. Had Sahara Reporters sought clarification, they would have been provided with accurate information,” Dr. Ginah O. Ginah remarked. “This is a clear case of a failure to adhere to the fundamental ethics of journalism—fairness, accuracy, and balance.”
The press plays a crucial role in society and must ensure that its reports are factual, balanced, and verified before publication. Proper investigative journalism strengthens democracy, while misinformation serves only to mislead and cause unnecessary public distrust.
Commitment to Service and National Development
The Board assures the public that this malicious publication will not deter it from delivering on its mandate. Under the leadership of Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the NCDMB remains resolute in its mission to build local capacity, empower Nigerians, and drive sustainable development in the oil and gas sector. Its initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation.
“Our focus remains on empowering Nigerians and ensuring sustainable development in the oil and gas sector. We will not be distracted by baseless accusations,” Engr. Ogbe reaffirmed.
As an institution committed to transparency and national development, the NCDMB will continue its drive for accountability and excellence, ensuring that Nigeria benefits maximally from its oil and gas resources.