The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Ogbe, has called for a strategic shift in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector from a crude export-driven model to one that prioritises sustainable value creation, local capacity development, and job creation.
Engr. Ogbe made the call while delivering his keynote address at the on-going 5th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The theme of the event is “Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a Sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development.”
“No nation achieves energy security or industrial prosperity by outsourcing its core capabilities,” Ogbe said. “Our strength must lie in the expertise of our people, the enterprise of our local businesses, and the robustness of our institutions.”
The NCDMB boss emphasised the need to deepen Human Capital Development (HCD) efforts in the industry and urged both International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous operators to intensify training initiatives.
“We are mindful of the numerous trainings already conducted,” he noted. “But the need to quickly deliver on more trainings is critical. With the increase in activities in the oil and gas industry, I urge that we step up our trainings.”
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” Engr. Ogbe described it as a “bold, forward-thinking move” that reinforces the country’s local content drive. He also highlighted key progress points, noting that Nigerian content has moved from “aspiration to execution.”
“From well-equipped, ISO-certified fabrication yards in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Lagos to modular refineries in Imo and Delta States, Nigerians are not just participating—they are delivering at the highest level,” he said.
The Executive Secretary welcomed the trend of IOCs divesting onshore assets to indigenous firms, calling it a “bold step and strategic shift towards deeper local participation and value retention.” He praised local firms such as Renaissance, Seplat, and Oando for their role in this transition.
“With opportunities like UBETA, Bonga North, and Zabazaba coming onstream, there are significant prospects for Nigerian companies to further demonstrate their capabilities,” Ogbe stated. “I encourage the IOCs to make conscious efforts to engage local companies in line with the provisions of our laws. Let’s ensure we use what we have at home first before we go outside.”
Ogbe announced that the newly formed Africa Energy Bank—headquartered in Abuja—will be operational before the end of Q2 2025. He expressed optimism that the institution would enhance funding access for local firms.
He also highlighted the Board’s ongoing support for innovation through platforms like the Nigerian Oil and Gas Technology (NOGTECH) Hackathon, which is incubating technologies aimed at driving digital transformation and sustainability.
“Nigeria is open for business,” Ogbe concluded. “But more importantly, Nigeria is ready to do business in a way that shares value fairly, builds local ecosystems, and creates jobs for our youth.”
He urged stakeholders to align with a shared goal of building a sustainable oil and gas industry anchored on Nigerian capability, innovation, and resilience.
…By Victor Egbo
