Top Management Executives of Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Limited (SEEPCO) during courtesy visit by SEEPCO Management to NCDMB Headquarters. Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Limited (SEEPCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to full compliance with Nigerian Content requirements and has pledged to reset its relationship with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in line with regulatory expectations and national development goals.
This renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by top executives of Sterling Oil to the NCDMB corporate headquarters in Yenagoa on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Board and addressing legacy compliance issues that had previously arisen in the course of operations.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, charged the Sterling Oil team to upscale its compliance across all operational areas. He noted instances of noncompliance observed in the company’s past operations and emphasized the Board’s resolve to uphold Nigerian Content standards. “Complying with the law is the easiest thing to do,” he said, adding that cutting corners is unethical and unsustainable.
The NCDMB Boss said he was pleased with the pledge by SEEPCO management to reset its relationship with the NCDMB, work closely with the board and to foster collaboration that would be mutually beneficial.
“I want to work with you on a sound footing,” Ogbe assured, adding, “We want to create an enabling environment for companies to thrive.”
Sterling Oil’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Barot, described the engagement as “a launch pad to reset the relationship with the Board,” noting the Board’s achievements in deepening local content. He expressed the company’s readiness to align with NCDMB’s strategic roadmap and participate in key initiatives such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) and the Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025.
The Sterling delegation acknowledged the concerns raised by NCDMB officials and affirmed its commitment to address outstanding compliance areas. These include expatriate quota issues, human capacity development expectations, and full adherence to Nigerian Content requirements.
Directors from the NCDMB – including those from Legal Services, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Certification and Authorisation (PICAD), Planning, Research and Statistics, and Corporate Communications – provided feedback on areas of concern and reiterated the importance of meaningful collaboration and timely remediation of identified gaps.
The Board commended Sterling Oil’s decision to re-engage and align with national objectives, describing stakeholder collaboration as a cornerstone of its 10-year strategic roadmap. Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications, noted, “We are encouraged by your desire to turn a new leaf. It’s important you keep to your word.”
Mr. Barot, accompanied by Sterling’s Regional Manager, Mr. Chandrakanth Kayarmar Ramesh, Chief General Manager, Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Dr Chris Offokansi, and Nigerian Content Manager, Mr. David Ayongo, assured the Board of Sterling Oil’s commitment to playing a responsible role in Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem and contributing to economic development through compliant and collaborative practices.
