The Nigerian Content performance level in the oil and gas industry has reached 56 percent in 2024, a significant milestone in the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s (NCDMB) drive toward achieving 70 per cent by 2027.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference and Exhibition held at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State themed “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,”
The event was attended by key government and industry stakeholders, including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo, and other industry leaders.
The 56 per cent performance level, up from 54 per cent recorded in 2022 and 2023, represents a substantial increase from the 26 per cent achieved in 2016 before the introduction of the NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap. The roadmap outlines a comprehensive plan for increasing Nigerian Content across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry.
Engr. Ogbe highlighted the role of the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate in calculating the performance level annually, using verified data from statutory reports submitted by companies. Over 312 Nigerian Content Plans and 402 Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs) have been approved by the Board in 2024. The new Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate (PCAD) guidelines have also streamlined operations, reducing the contracting cycle to six months.
A significant highlight of the conference was the signing of an agreement between NCDMB and the Bank of Industry (BoI) for a revised Nigerian Content Community Contractors Financing Scheme. The scheme, which now has a fund of N15 billion, will provide up to N100 million to local contractors, up from the previous N20 million.
Engr. Ogbe also emphasized the impact of the Nigerian Content Academy, which was unveiled at the event to equip Nigerians with skills spanning exploration to processing in the oil and gas value chain. The Academy aims to create career opportunities and foster economic growth in host communities.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo praised the NCDMB’s alignment with the Federal Government’s gas agenda. He cited the Board’s strategic support for projects such as compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities, modular gas plants, and LPG infrastructure. He also announced the completion of two major gas projects—SEPLAT Assa North and Shell’s Ohaji South—with a combined capacity of 600 million standard cubic feet per day.
“Gas will be the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy shift,” Ekpo said, emphasizing the importance of local businesses in gas distribution, processing, and power generation as the world transitions to renewable energy.
Lokpobiri applauded the NCDMB for its achievements, noting that countries across Africa are looking to learn from Nigeria’s local content model. He addressed concerns about international oil company (IOC) divestments, reassuring stakeholders that indigenous companies have stepped in to fill the gaps.
He also urged industry players to maintain high standards and capacity to sustain the progress achieved so far.
The African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) Secretary General, Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, revealed plans for the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), set to launch in Abuja in 2025. The bank will address declining funding for fossil fuel projects in Africa.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo used the occasion to advocate for the establishment of an NLNG Train within the state, given Bayelsa’s contribution of 60 per cent of the gas feedstock for the NLNG Bonny Project.
The conference continues until Thursday and will conclude with a visit to First Marine and Engineering Services Limited in Yenagoa.
