The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NCDMB

  • FCMB partners NCDMB, BoI to disburse ₦15bn loan to local contractors in oil & gas sector

    FCMB partners NCDMB, BoI to disburse ₦15bn loan to local contractors in oil & gas sector

    First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been selected as one of the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) for the implementation of the Community Contractors Finance Scheme, an initiative of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with the Bank of Industry Limited (BoI).

    The scheme is designed to bridge the funding and skills gaps hindering the capacity and growth of local contractors in the oil and gas industry. It offers loans of up to ₦100 million at a favourable interest rate of 8% per annum, enabling contractors to execute impactful projects within their host communities.

    The Community Contractors Finance Scheme is one of five products under the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, created by the NCDMB to empower local oil and gas contractors, grow the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Remodelled in 2025 under the leadership of Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, the scheme reflects his broader goal of deepening the impact of local content implementation at the community level.

    As a participating financial institution, FCMB is responsible for identifying, prequalifying, verifying contract performance, and disbursing loans to qualified indigenous contractors in the communities. The Bank will leverage its industry expertise, efficient credit processes, and strong relationships with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and National Oil Companies (NOCs) to deliver effectively. The loans are supported by innovative financing options such as invoice discounting and local purchase orders, offering flexible tenors ranging from 90 to 365 days to suit the diverse needs of contractors.

    Read Also: Jalla kicks over undue  FIFA ‘s intervention in NFF’s electoral process

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as a strategic commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the oil and gas sector.

    “We appreciate the confidence placed in us by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Bank of Industry, and all stakeholders. The Community Contractors Finance Scheme aligns with our mission to promote inclusive and sustainable growth by fostering a collaborative ecosystem that connects people, capital, and markets. Through this partnership, we expect to see significant benefits for communities, enhanced local content development, empowerment of community-based contractors, job creation, skills acquisition, improved security, and overall sustainable national development,” she stated.

    A hallmark of the Community Contractors Finance Scheme is its accessibility, as it does not require traditional collateral. Instead, repayments are structured through domiciliation of contract proceeds, milestone-based disbursements, and diligent monitoring. This approach ensures that funds are effectively utilised to support critical oil and gas projects while focusing on the contractors’ unique needs.

  • NCDMB launches digital transformation initiative

    NCDMB launches digital transformation initiative

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched its Digitisation Initiative, a flagship capacity development programme designed to equip young Nigerians with advanced digital and data analytics skills for the oil and gas industry.

    The South-West edition of the event, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, marked a major milestone in NCDMB’s continued push for digital transformation, local content growth, and youth empowerment through strategic public-private partnerships.

    Sponsored by Seplat Energy Plc in collaboration with NCDMB’s Human Capacity Development Division and Uniqueocean Limited, the programme’s implementing partner, the initiative will also be held across the North Central, South East, South-South, North East, and North West zones.

    Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Abdulmalik Halilu, represented by Mohammed Ahmed, Manager, services Utilisation, congratulated the 20 high-potential participants selected for the South-West training.

     “This programme is the result of detailed planning, commitment, and collaboration between NCDMB and our partners,” Ahmed said. “We expect every participant to be fully committed for the entire 18-month duration. This is not just training; it is a transformative journey.”

    He emphasised that the initiative aligns with NCDMB’s mandate to close skill gaps and ensure Nigerian professionals remain globally competitive in the fast-evolving digital space.

     “See yourselves not as students but as young professionals,” he urged. “Be open-minded, ready to unlearn and relearn. If you are focused and disciplined, this programme will change the trajectory of your career.”

    Also addressing participants, Letty Agala of the Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate highlighted the Code of Conduct governing the programme, stressing professionalism, discipline, and accountability.

     “This programme demands responsibility,” she said. “Participants must adhere strictly to attendance and conduct requirements. Absenteeism without approval will not be tolerated.”

    To ensure accountability, the Board introduced a monthly reporting system for tracking progress and maintaining communication between the training centre and NCDMB.

    Programme Manager, Emmanuel Adeshola of Uniqueocean Limited, said the training bridges the gap between academic learning and industry demands.

     “This initiative is about preparing Nigerians for the future of work,” he explained. “It covers Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development. Participants will work on real-life projects, including developing a Minimum Viable Product for equipment maintenance in the oil and gas sector.”

    Read Also: Ghana’s competitive platform rewards Nigerian with N9m

    The 18-month curriculum adopts a blended learning model—combining physical and virtual sessions—and includes: Foundation Phase (12 weeks): Core digital literacy and essential tools for the oil and gas sector, advanced Phase (14 weeks): In-depth training in AI, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development and incubation Phase (3–18 months): Industry placement or start-up support culminating in a capstone project.

    Each participant will receive accommodation, health insurance, laptops, and stipends, reflecting an estimated ₦20 million investment per trainee by NCDMB and partners.

    Principal Consultant of Uniqueocean, Olayanju Olasunkanmi, described the programme as “a professional engagement rather than a classroom exercise.”

     “NCDMB’s investment in you is enormous. You are not just trainees—you are employees for the next 18 months,” he said. “Our goal is to see you evolve into innovators capable of building solutions that impact Nigeria’s economy.”

    The Digitisation Initiative is part of NCDMB’s broader Human Capacity Development agenda aimed at accelerating local participation and boosting Nigeria’s digital readiness in the oil and gas sector.

    Through such forward-looking initiatives, NCDMB continues to nurture local talent, strengthen the digital ecosystem, and position Nigerian youths for leadership in the global digital economy.

  • Mateta nets hat-trick for Crystal Palace

    Mateta nets hat-trick for Crystal Palace

    Jean-Philippe Mateta yesterday scored a hat-trick, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down to draw with Bournemouth in a six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park.

    In an incredible finish, Mateta completed his treble in the 97th minute after Marc Guehi had been wrestled to the ground by Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite as a left-wing corner was being taken.

    There was still time for further drama but Mateta, who has now scored seven goals for the Eagles this season, blazed a potentially match-winning chance over the bar in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

    Teenage striker Eli Kroupi, 19, had earlier scored twice on his first Premier League start as Bournemouth were on course for a victory that would have taken them temporarily top of the table.

    Mateta scored twice in a five-minute spell to make it 2-2, before Ryan Christie restored Bournemouth’s lead in the 89th minute, but it was not enough for the victory.

    It continued a great spell in Mateta’s career as he made his France debut on 10 October against Azerbaijan and then scored his first international goal three days later in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

  • NCDMB, NEXIM disburse $42m loans to boost local content in oil sector 

    NCDMB, NEXIM disburse $42m loans to boost local content in oil sector 

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoriong Board (NCDMB), and Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) have distributed about $42million loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to boost local participation in the oil and gas industry.

    The Head, Specialized Business at NEXIM, Muhammed Z. Awami, made the disclosure during a panel session at the NCDMB stakeholders’ sensitization and Engagement Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Awami said the working capital of Capacity Fund was $30million, but that they exceeded the amount to attract more Nigerian players in oil and gas sector.

    The Sensitization and Engagement Forum was titled, “Deepening Local Content through Certification, Compliance and Financing Support” and had in attendance key players, who came from the oil and gas industry to witness the unveiling of the board’s Compliance Certificate.

    Awami appealed to the registered Nigerian oil service providers attached to the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and National Oil Companies (NOCs) to take advantage of the NCDMB Working Capital and Capacity Fund domiciled in NEXIM bank.

    He said the fund was designed to offer flexible financing and tailoring solutions to meet their business needs, catalyse business growth, expand global footprint and unlock new opportunities.

    He said: “Once you meet pre-disbursement conditions, we disbursed the funds to you, and after disbursement, we also monitor sometimes jointly with NCDMB, sometimes, we just do spot check assessment of utilization of the funds, to make sure the funds are being utilized for the purpose it was disbursed.

    “When it’s time to repay, we expect that repayment are made by the beneficiaries so that we can also lend again to other people, the fund Working Capital and Capacity Fund is $30 million but so far, we have disburse about $42 million.

    “So, I’m sure a lot of challenges could be around collateral in terms of how the funds operate, so what we have done is to water down the requirements without compromising the bank or the board, so we use things like the assignments of receivables, we use things like insurance and other forms of collateral which make it easy for the beneficiaries to access the funds.

    Read Also: NCDMB, NDDC partner for service delivery

    “Though we are transactional about it, we look at the transaction itself and build the finance structures around the transaction in such a way that the loan becomes self liquidity without the need for physical collateral.”

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by Dr. Osa Uchendu, said the forum offered the board an opportunity to deliberate with the stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

    He said the conversation would boost more participation of Nigerian players in the oil and gas industry and encourage their business growth.

    Also speaking, the Group Head Oil and Gas, in the Bank of Industry (BoI), Gabriel Yemidale, said the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund), which started in 2017, with N200million grew to N300million in 2023.

    He said, “Most times, I see a lot of people come to the bank to apply for loans, some of them are not veritable for this loan, they are not contributing the one percent, I want to really emphasize on this, that you have to be a contributor to this fund, you have to pay that one percent NCD which the take from your contract, that you have the IOCs.

    “We have five funds, the community financing which is now being done with the PFIs, and one of the PFIs, we have given it to FCMB, and why I’m starting with that is because this is the baby of the current Executive Secretary of NCDMB, and he wants to touch the lives of the grassroots, he wants to grow that market, that segment and make them start playing where the foreign players are, which is the life enterprise space.

    “So we started that funds with FCMB, and the single obligor is N100 million for starters, we will continue to review it as time goes on, and moratorium on that is 3 to 6 months, and it’s depending on your needs, it’s about two years, all you need to do, go to NCDMB with your ISPO, go with your contract and the loan will be issue to you. 

    “There is no bank guarantee for community finance, it is just the ISPO, from the IOCs issuing you those PO, this fund is readily available for community people to utilize.

    “Also we have the contract financing, which has the single obligor of $5million, there is a portal system that the NCDMB has created. We also have refinance. Refinance is $10million. The aim of all these funds is to create employments, create local and indigenous businesses, they are now able to participate with the foreign and the big boys out there.”

  • NCDMB, NDDC partner for service delivery

    NCDMB, NDDC partner for service delivery

    In a renewed bid to strengthen corporate governance, enhance institutional performance, and improve service delivery, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have pledged to deepen collaboration and peer review of operations.

    This commitment was made during a knowledge exchange session held on Tuesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The meeting brought together senior management staff of both agencies.

    Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, highlighted the value of periodic inter-agency peer reviews to identify weaknesses and improve institutional processes.

    Ogbe commended NDDC’s recognition of NCDMB as a model for effective governance, describing the engagement as a “two-way traffic” where both institutions could share insights and learn from each other.

    “Let us compare notes and adopt what works,” he said, stressing that such sessions strengthen the service delivery framework for all stakeholders — the government, citizens, host communities, and industry players.

    He further explained that NCDMB’s governance system includes an Anti-Corruption Unit and multiple automated processes across human resources and management systems, developed through continuous improvement reviews.

    Highlighting areas of potential collaboration, Ogbe pointed to the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and Research Centre as one project requiring joint support from both agencies, following NDDC’s earlier commitment at its 2023 groundbreaking.

    He also showcased NCDMB’s Community Content Guideline and the Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative, both designed to empower youths in oil-producing communities through skills development, entrepreneurship, and educational support.

    Read Also: UBEC targets 1m girls for empowerment, education

    “The more we invest in young talents in host communities, the more they become active participants in the oil and gas value chain,” Ogbe noted.

    Responding, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Governance, Anele Stephen Nzelaw, commended NCDMB’s achievements within just 15 years of existence, citing its world-class fabrication yards and human capital initiatives. He said NDDC, now 25 years old, was repositioning for strategic transformation rather than transactional operations.

    “We are developing a new governance framework with KPMG to ensure continuity, accountability, and sustainability,” Nzelaw revealed, adding that NCDMB’s internal systems and transparency standards would serve as a guide.

    The session featured detailed presentations from NCDMB officials, including Zuwairat Azekome on governance frameworks, Ms. Onajero Osiebe on organisational discipline, Ms. Seleke-Ere Owoupele on service delivery, and Ms. Mercy Azibayam Egba on internal audit systems.

    The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Nigerian Content Tower, showcasing its Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre and the 1,000-capacity Conference Centre.

  • NCDMB boosts indigenous companies with $350m intervention funds 

    NCDMB boosts indigenous companies with $350m intervention funds 

    …says agency Pan-Nigerian 

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has deployed over $350million to support local companies through its Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) managed in partnership with NEXIM Bank.

    The board’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, made the disclosure at the weekend during an engagement with youth leaders and Niger Delta Media Stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He said six Centres of Excellence had been established nationwide to provide industry-focused training in gas, engineering, and safety studies.

    Halilu said the NCDMB since the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010 had redefined ease of doing business in the petroleum sector, supporting indigenous companies to thrive and enforcing compliance among firms with foreign interests.

    “Between 2010 when the Act was enacted and now, fabrication, manpower services, and even partial integration of FPSOs (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading platforms) have significantly increased in Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that over 100 indigenous companies could boast of exploration, production, and construction (EPC) capabilities, while about 15,000 Nigerians had been trained in critical skills such as welding, marine operations, and design engineering.

    He said: “The Board has lived up to expectations in its core mandate of developing local capacities and capabilities without compromising standards”.

    Speaking on why Niger Delta stakeholders should moderate their expectations, the Board’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, clarified that the NCDMB’s mandate remained a pan-Nigerian and not restricted to the Niger Delta.

    He said: “The NCDMB is a federal agency set up to build local capacities and enforce compliance of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry and related sectors. It is not an interventionist agency for the Niger Delta”.

    He urged stakeholders to channel non-content-related demands to interventionist bodies created by the Federal Government for that purpose.

    He stressed that NCDMB’s focus was to ensure Nigerians play active roles in staffing, procurement, and engineering across the oil and gas value chain.

    Read Also: 13,595 families searching for 23,659 missing persons in Nigeria – Red Cross

    Ezeobi also appealed to the media to protect the Board against misinformation and help set the right agenda for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    “In recent weeks, we have seen sensational and outright false stories that have nothing to do with us. We ask you, as gatekeepers, to filter out inaccuracies and focus attention on how to grow Nigerian content from the current 56% to the targeted 70%,” he said.

    He emphasized that the media should prioritize narratives that highlighted job creation, compliance growth, and the economic impact of local content policies, instead of being used for distractions.

    He said: “Our engagement today is not just to explain our mandate but to ask you to help us set the right agenda—how to deepen local content, grow the energy industry, and strengthen compliance”.

    Also speaking, Mr. Bufazi Tareowei, Deputy Manager, Capacity Building, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the Board’s programmes through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS), the central portal for accessing training and opportunities.

    He reiterated that NCDMB would continue to work with youths, media, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness and long-term growth.

  • IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has berated some stakeholders calling for the removal of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Ogbe.

    The Ijaw youths warned the  aggrieved  stakeholders to desist from the habit of demarketing leaders from the Niger Delta occupying strategic positions in the country.

    IYC spokesman, Bedford Berefa, condemned the culture of pull-down syndrome among selfish individuals in the region saying it was breeding  disunity and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta. 

    Berefa said: “We must change our strategy, we cannot continue to fight ourselves, ethnic bigotry cannot help us, it is when we come together that we can achieve our purpose”.

    According to him Ogbe as the Executive Director of the NCDMB is carrying out the mandate of the board providing needed training to build local capacity particularly for young people.

    “Under the leadership of Felix Ogbe, the need for local content has increased. He has trained over 100 youths, let us allow him to focus and continue his good work,” he said.

    Berefa commended Ogbe for his service in the NCDMB and urged him to shun all forms of distractions and continue in his commitment and dedication to ensuring the development of local content in the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri family, Ekeremor youths back NCDMB boss, demand IYC President’s resignation

    He appealed to the youths in the Niger Delta to judiciously utilize the opportunities created by Ogbe to get requisite trainings required to secure employments in the oil and gas sector.

    He said: “Our youths should never sell scholarship slots or opportunities for training and workshops. They  should learn so that they can train others, let us focus on self development so that tomorrow we can occupy strategic positions in the country”.

    Berefa urged all stakeholders to support Ogbe and all other leaders in the  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as well as other Ijaw leaders for the advancement of the region.

  • Lokpobiri family, Ekeremor youths back NCDMB boss, demand IYC President’s resignation

    Lokpobiri family, Ekeremor youths back NCDMB boss, demand IYC President’s resignation

    The Lokpobiri Family and Ekeremor Youths Progressive Forum (EYPF) have denied allegations of ethnic bias and poor performance against Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and others.

    In separate statements, they described the claims as baseless and malicious, aimed at undermining the progress of the NCDMB and sowing seed of discord in the Niger Delta.

    They also issued a seven-day ultimatum to Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), to resign from his position over what they described as his recent divisive statements against Ogbe and others.

    According to a statement by Allen Lokpobiri, the Family said Jonathan’s baseless allegations have not only tarnished the reputation of a respected leader but also threatened the unity and peace of the Ekeremor community and the broader Niger Delta.

    According to them, his actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the collective interests of the Ijaw people and undermine the progress achieved through inclusive leadership.

    Allen noted that failure to resign would attract further consequences, including potential banishment from Ekeremor.

    “We are appalled by the reckless and unfounded accusations levelled against Engr. Ogbe, a leader who has consistently worked for the progress of the Niger Delta,” Allen said on behalf of the family.

    “Jonathan Lokpobiri’s actions not only misrepresent the collective aspirations of our people but also threaten the unity and peace we have worked hard to maintain in Ekeremor.

    “We demand his immediate resignation, retraction of these false claims and an apology. Failure to do so would attract severe consequences, including banishment from our community.”

    The family further emphasised unwavering support for Ogbe, highlighting his inclusive leadership at the NCDMB.

    “Engr. Ogbe’s tenure has brought significant development to the Niger Delta, with equitable opportunities for all ethnic groups, including the Ijaw.

    “We will not tolerate attempts to smear his reputation with baseless allegations for selfish motives. The Lokpobiri Family stands firmly behind Engr. Ogbe and calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support his efforts to advance local content development and foster unity across our region.”

    Meanwhile, the EYPF dissociated itself from the Jonathan Lokpobiri, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and its activities, rejecting their call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Engr. Ogbe.

    In a statement by Comrade John Godman, the group rubbished claims that the ES favoured his Itsekiri kinsmen in capacity-building initiatives while marginalising other ethnic groups, particularly the Ijaw.

    The EYPF asserted that Engr. Ogbe has demonstrated exemplary leadership and inclusivity in advancing the NCDMB’s mandate.

    Read Also: ‘Tinubu’s govt setting new tone for transparency, accountability in governance’

    “Engr. Ogbe has fostered equitable representation and development for all communities, including the Ijaw, through capacity-building programs, training, and job opportunities,” Godman said.

    “We categorically refute the assertion that Engr. Ogbe has avoided critical youth engagement or favoured one ethnic group over others,” the statement added.

    “His track record shows a commitment to transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement, with tangible results in human capacity development and economic empowerment across the region.

    “The claim of a ten-month communication barrier with the IYC is a misrepresentation, as Engr. Ogbe has maintained open channels for dialogue with youth groups and stakeholders, a fact that can be verified by many community leaders in the Niger Delta.

    “The NCDMB has consistently upheld the principles of fairness, equity, and federal character, ensuring that all communities, including the Ijaw, benefit from its programs.”

    The EYPF highlighted Ogbe’s contributions to local content development, job creation, and sustainable growth, emphasising his commitment to fairness, equity, and federal character.

    The group praised Engr. Ogbe’s transformative leadership, calling on Nigerians, particularly Niger Delta youths, to support his efforts to advance the region’s development.

    “We commend Engr. Ogbe for his transformative leadership at NCDMB, which has strengthened local content policies, created job opportunities, and driven sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    “His integrity, competence, and dedication to the collective aspirations of all communities in the region are undeniable. We call on all Nigerians, particularly the youth of the Niger Delta, to support Engr. Ogbe’s visionary leadership to ensure continued progress and prosperity for our region.”

  • NCDMB trains youths in marine, offshore technologies

    NCDMB trains youths in marine, offshore technologies

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has inspected the ongoing training of 305 Nigerian youths in specialized oil and gas industry skills at the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD), Rivers State University (RSU).

    The training, fully sponsored by the NCDMB, covers seven key technical disciplines, including Automation, Instrumentation and Control, Mechanical/Process Piping and System Design, Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanger Design (PV-ELITE), Electrical Power Transformer Repairs and Maintenance, and Industrial/Practical Ship Design and Construction.

    Additional modules include Oil Well Surveillance and Enhancement Analysis, Capacity Building in Big Data Analytics, and International-Class Welding, Fabrication, and Qualification.

    Structured to run for four months, the programme is part of the Board’s Human Capacity Development initiative aimed at bridging critical skill gaps in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The participants were selected through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS), which serves as the industry’s central database for human and technical capacity.

    During the inspection, Engr. Ogbe urged the trainees to fully embrace the opportunity, highlighting that the skills being acquired are in high demand across the oil and gas sector and related industries.

    Read Also: NCDMB backs local content drive Firm unveils factory

    He reiterated NCDMB’s commitment to equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant competencies and promoting employment creation, in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s economic development agenda.

    Engr. Ogbe also toured the Advanced Marine Engineering and Offshore Engineering Research Centre at RSU—an infrastructure developed by an international oil company under the Nigerian Content institutional strengthening initiative.

    He assured stakeholders that the Board would handle the furnishing and partitioning of the building to make it fully operational. He also promised to look into the delayed completion of staff quarters constructed by the NCDMB for the university.

    The Executive Secretary was received by RSU Vice Chancellor, Isaac Zeb-Obipi; National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) and Chairman of CMOTD Management Board, Engr. Sylvanus Eferebo; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, J. Akpa; and other senior university officials.

    Engr. Eferebo noted that Rivers State University has been recognized by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) as a Centre of Excellence in Marine Engineering, owing to its specialization and the presence of three dedicated marine study centres.

    He further stated that 70 per cent of CMOTD’s instructors are sourced directly from the oil and gas industry and related sectors, while 30 per cent are drawn from the university’s faculty.

    This approach, he explained, ensures alignment with COREN standards and guarantees that the training reflects real-world industry requirements.

  • ‘Local content policies reshaping mining’

    ‘Local content policies reshaping mining’

    Nigeria’s mining sector is experiencing a major revival, propelled by bold local content reforms introduced by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

    Unveiled at the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, in Abuja, these reforms are now being hailed as a model for industrial development across the continent.

    A key focus of the reforms is the barite value chain — an essential mineral for oil and gas drilling. The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, explained that the Board has, over the past decade, developed local capacity by certifying reserves in six states and mandating exclusive procurement from domestic processors through the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC).

    “Today, barite importation for drilling is banned in Nigeria,” said Ogbe, represented by Abdulmalik Halilu, NCDMB Director of Corporate Services. “This is the result of deliberate policies, strategic partnerships, and strong enforcement,” he added.

    According to Ogbe, these reforms have significantly increased local value retention, created jobs, and positioned Nigeria as a frontrunner in Africa’s push for mineral-led industrialisation. Similar policies, he said now apply to steel and pipe manufacturing, including a 2022 directive mandating local sourcing of bare line pipes and tubular goods for the oil industry.

    Supporting these efforts are broader industrial frameworks such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industrial Parks (NOGAPS) and the $350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, managed with the Bank of Industry to scale up local manufacturing, the Executive Secretary, stated.

    Read Also: Senate committee reaffirms support for local content drive

    A clear outcome of these policies he said is evident in Nigeria’s fast-growing lithium and battery value chain.

    Also, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, revealed that over $800 million in mining investments were secured in 2024 alone, driven by new licensing rules requiring local processing.

    “The $100 million lithium battery plant in Nasarawa is operational, and a $600 million lithium refinery is underway near the Kaduna–Niger border. All anchored on local content,” Alake said.

    According to Alake, government revenue from mining rose dramatically from N6 billion in 2023 to N38 billion in 2024 — a sixfold increase attributed to stricter licensing, value-addition mandates, and rising industrial investment adding Nigeria’s approach is gaining attention across Africa.

    Liberia’s Petroleum Regulatory Authority Chairman, Jake Kabakole, described the local content framework as a “continental model,” urging other nations to adopt similar strategies.

    While acknowledging that the economic impact is profound, Kabakole stated that Nigerian-owned firms now deliver 15per cent of national oil production and 60per cent of domestic gas supply. He added that the local engineering giants like Dormanlong, Saipem, and Aveon Offshore are executing complex infrastructure projects once dominated by foreign companies.

    Beyond extraction and manufacturing, NCDMB has strengthened workforce localisation by partnering with COREN to ensure only certified Nigerian engineers are engaged on projects. Additionally, a customs alert system blocks the importation of goods — such as cables, valves, and paints — that are already produced domestically, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB continued.

    “Local content is not a constraint; it is a catalyst. It drives industrial growth, job creation, and economic independence,” Ogbe asserted.

    Nigeria’s example resonated strongly among summit delegates as African leaders debated strategies for regional energy integration and industrialisation. From formalising artisanal mining cooperatives to assembling electric vehicles, Nigeria is turning policy into tangible outcomes, Ogbe stated.

    “We’re no longer just exporters of raw potential,” Alake declared. “We are now builders of real value,” he added.

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, echoed the importance of measurable local content. Referencing the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised electricity governance to allow 11 states to run independent power markets, he said the government is linking energy reforms to domestic manufacturing — including solar panels, meters, and clean energy systems.

    “The true impact of local content lies in building supply chains, technical expertise, and local ownership,” Adelabu noted.

    Kenya’s Minister of Mining and Blue Economy, Hassan Ali Jobbo, cautioned that African countries must define their own mineral priorities rather than follow external classifications.

    “Africa has spoken of its potential for too long without acting. It’s time we decide for ourselves what minerals matter to our future,” he said.