The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced a significant achievement in the oil and gas sector, with Nigerian Content levels rising to 56% in 2024.
The milestone was disclosed by the NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, during the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference and Exhibition at the NCDMB Conference Centre, Yenagoa.
The event drew top government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil and Gas), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Engr. Ogbe highlighted the steady growth in Nigerian Content, which stood at 54% in 2022 and 2023, compared to 26% in 2016. This progress aligns with the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2017-2027), targeting 70% Nigerian Content by 2027.
He also revealed advancements in operational efficiency, with the Board reducing contracting cycles and approving over 300 Nigerian Content Plans and 400 compliance certificates.
A key highlight in the programme was the signing of a revised agreement with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to support local contractors.
The N15 billion Nigerian Content Community Contractors Financing Scheme increases the single obligor limit from N20 million to N100 million, addressing funding challenges faced by indigenous contractors.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo praised NCDMB’s alignment with the Federal Government’s gas agenda, noting its support for projects like compressed natural gas (CNG), modular gas plants, and LPG infrastructure.
He announced the completion of two major gas projects with a combined capacity of 600 million standard cubic feet/day and the commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering Hub.
The Minister emphasized that gas will anchor Nigeria’s energy transition, urging local businesses to expand their roles in gas distribution and processing.
Also, Engr. Ogbe unveiled initiatives like the Nigerian Content Academy, aimed at equipping Nigerians with industry-ready skills, and the "Back-to-the-Creeks" program, which supports educational and vocational development in host communities.
Similarly, Industry leaders, including the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, highlighted plans for the Africa Energy Bank, set to launch in 2025, to mitigate the global shift away from fossil fuels.
