By Ali Elias
In a move signaling renewed commitment to local content advancement and indigenous energy development, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has pledged full support to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the consortium that recently acquired Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) onshore oil assets.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by Renaissance Energy’s management to the NCDMB headquarters at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to creating a “double enabling environment” for Renaissance to thrive—both within Nigeria and across the African continent.
“We will offer a double enabling environment to ensure Renaissance thrives both in Nigeria and across Africa,” said Engr. Ogbe. “We are impressed by your Nigerian Content agenda and regional focus. This aligns with our goal of building sustainable local capacity across the energy value chain.”
The visit marks a strategic alignment between the government agency and Renaissance Africa Energy, a company described by its leadership as being deeply rooted in the ideals of local content and African-led industrialization.
Dr. Tony Attah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance, reiterated the company’s identity and aspirations:
“We are ourselves Nigerian Content. Our mission is to be the African leader in energy and drive industrialisation.”
Renaissance Africa Energy is a powerful consortium made up of leading indigenous firms—ND Western, Aradel Holdings, FIRST E&P, and Waltersmith Group—alongside international partner Petroni. The group emerged as the successful bidder in the historic $2.4 billion transaction that saw Shell exit Nigeria’s onshore oil business, a development seen as a pivot point for increased local ownership in the sector.
The meeting emphasized a shared vision between NCDMB and Renaissance: to deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector, expand indigenous capacity, and contribute significantly to national and continental energy security. Industry watchers say the partnership reflects a growing trend of African-driven energy ventures and may help reposition Nigeria as a launchpad for broader regional energy innovation.