… charges IOCs, indigenous operators to step-up indigenous capacity trainings
… says – “Tinubu’s Nigeria First Policy, is a forward-thinking move for Nigerian content drive”
Oredola Adeola
Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has called for a strategic shift in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry from merely producing crude oil to creating sustainable value, generating employment, and driving national prosperity.
The ES made this submission in his address at the 5th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2025.
Speaking on the theme – Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development’’, he stated that no nation achieves energy security or industrial prosperity by outsourcing its core capabilities.
According to him, our strength must lie in the expertise of our people, the enterprise of our local businesses, and the robustness of our institutions.
Engr. Ogbe therefore charged the IOCs and indigenous operators to revamp Nigeria’s Human Capital Development (HCD) initiatives.
He said, “We are mindful of the numerous trainings already conducted.
“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.
“I look forward to your support in ensuring that all trainings under appropriate projects are conducted immediately,” the ES.
Commending the President Bola Tinubu for the newly introduced “Nigeria First Policy,” Engr. Ogbe said, the policy is a “bold, forward-thinking move” for the Nigerian Content drive.
The ES also confirmed that the Nigerian content has moved from aspiration to execution.
“From well equipped, ISO certified fabrication yards in Port Harcourt, Warri, Lagos, to modular refineries in Imo and Delta States, and from pipe mills to marine vessel ownership, Nigerians are not just participating—they are delivering at the highest level.
“However, the real opportunity lies ahead. As we move towards rebalancing our economy and increasing oil and gas production, it is imperative that we deepen indigenous participation—not only in upstream services but across midstream and downstream operations.
“The sale of onshore assets by the IOCs to indigenous companies is a bold step and strategic shift towards deeper local participation and value retention,” he said.
While commending Renaissance, Seplat, Oando and all indigenous companies on their milestone achievements, the ES said that the momentum must be sustained.
He said, “We need to come together to support this local content stride in terms of procurement, capacity building, knowledge transfer, job creation and mentorship for upcoming investors.
“With opportunities like UBETA, Bonga North, Zabazaba coming onstream, great opportunities are provided for Nigerian companies to further demonstrate their capacity.
“I encourage the IOCs to make conscious effort 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.
“At NCDMB, we remain unwavering in our commitment to creating the right policies, providing funding mechanisms, and partnerships to support Nigerian businesses.
The ES also announced that the Board alongside other stakeholders recently formed the Africa Energy Bank with the proposed Headquarters in Abuja.
He said, “The Bank will be open for business before the end of the 2nd quarter in 2025. We are hopeful that this will create more funding availability for local companies.
“We are also fostering innovation through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Technology (NOGTECH) Hackathon and incubating new ideas that will drive digital transformation and sustainability.
Engr. Ogbe further emphasized that NOGOF is a key part of our strategy—providing stakeholders early visibility of upcoming projects.
He said, “Visibility begets preparedness, and preparedness begets participation.
“Nigeria is open for business. 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.
“The indigenous players must step up, the opportunities are vast, but so is the responsibility.
“Providing mentorship to younger generations is key and very important. Additionally, embrace global standards, invest in capacity building, form strategic alliances, and aim to compete not just in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
He further urged stakeholders to commit to one shared goal, building a sustainable oil and gas industry anchored on Nigerian capability, innovation, and resilience.
