The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has dismissed allegations made in a recent publication by Sahara Reporters, a media outfit which claimed that the Board spent N7.7 billion on consultancy and N580 million on a five-day training program in London.
The report, published on February 12, 2025, has been described by the Board as inaccurate, misleading, and intended to deceive the public.
According to a statement released on February 13 by the Corporate Communications Department of NCDMB, neither the Board nor its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, authorized or expended such amounts on consultancy services.
The statement emphasized that the Board adheres to the highest standards of accountability and transparency, ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007 and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
The Board highlighted its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, developed in 2017, which aims to achieve 70% in-country retention of oil and gas industry expenditure by 2027.
One of the key enablers of this roadmap, the statement noted, is Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement, which involves periodic strategic workshops with government agencies to align on implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
The Board also clarified that such workshops, along with its other activities, strictly follow approved financial and procurement guidelines.
The NCDMB also refuted the claim that N7.7 billion was spent on consultancy, asserting that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputation of the Board and its leadership.
The Board also criticized Sahara Reporters for failing to verify the information before publication, stating that the media outlet had once again engaged in sensationalism rather than factual reporting.
Additionally, the Board noted its recognition through 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.
Reaffirming its commitment to building local capacity in the oil and gas sector, the NCDMB stated that its initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which aims to empower Nigerians and create sustainable job opportunities.
The Board urged media organizations and the public to verify information before publication, adding that its Corporate Communications Department remains open for inquiries and fact-checking.
The statement assured Nigerians that the misleading publication would not deter the Executive Secretary from advancing the Board’s objectives for national development.
