The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NCDMB

  • NCDMB tightens bidding rules with mandatory certificate

    NCDMB tightens bidding rules with mandatory certificate

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has introduced the Nigerian Content Fund Clearance Certificate (NCFCC) as a mandatory requirement for contractors and operators in the oil and gas industry, while also revealing that over 130 indigenous companies have benefitted from its $400 million intervention fund.

    The NCFCC, now a prerequisite for bidding, certifications, and project approvals, was launched during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop held in Lagos. The event also featured the unveiling of an upgraded Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) payment portal and a revised Community Contractors Finance Scheme aimed at easing access to low-cost financing.

    According to NCDMB, the certificate forms part of efforts to enforce Section 104 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, which requires upstream oil and gas firms to remit one percent of the value of contracts into the NCDF.

    READ ALSO: Nurses, midwives give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

    The fund is managed by the Board to promote local content in the oil, gas, and related sectors.

    Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the compliance certificate and digital tools would deepen oversight, improve compliance, and expand financing opportunities for local contractors.

    “This programme is more than a workshop; it reaffirms our commitment to deepen Nigerian content, enhance oversight, and open up financing opportunities for indigenous and community-based contractors,” Ogbe said.

    Represented by the Acting Director, Finance and Personnel Management, Mubaraq Zubair, the Executive Secretary explained that the upgraded NCDF portal and certificate system would enable real-time remittance verification and faster approvals. He added that the revamped Community Contractors Finance Scheme, developed in collaboration with financial institutions, would expand financing access at the grassroots.

    “We have removed critical access barriers by collaborating with banks like FCMB to bring financing closer to host communities,” he said.

    Presenting the details of the new policy, Supervisor, Planning and Policy Development at NCDMB, Dr Ayebatonye Epemu, stated that the NCFCC had become mandatory for upstream operators, consultants, and vendors.

    “It is now a precondition for bidding, certifications, and approvals. Processing takes 14 working days, and the certificate is valid for 12 months. Companies are required to submit their requests via the NOGIC-JQS portal,” he explained.

    Highlighting the performance of the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund, Gabriel Yemilade, Group Head, Oil and Gas at the Bank of Industry (BOI), disclosed that the bank had disbursed $348.296 million and N48.289 billion to 79 local firms. The beneficiaries span marine logistics, upstream operations, gas processing, fabrication, and modular refining.

    “In 2017, the fund started with $200 million and was increased to $300 million by 2020 due to high demand. We are enabling local content through direct financial support,” Yemilade said.

    He noted that BOI also manages the Community Contractors Scheme, which offers loans of up to N100 million at eight percent annual interest, backed by contracts or Standing Payment Orders (SPOs).

    Providing more context on the community scheme, Head, Midstream and Dealers at FCMB, Akintomide James, explained that the bank is deploying the N50 billion facility secured from NCDMB to support indigenous service providers and community-based contractors involved in oil and gas projects.

    James said FCMB, the first primary financial institution enlisted in the scheme, would leverage its vendor financing experience to assist local contractors.

    “The scheme offers competitive pricing at eight per cent yearly with a single obligor limit of N100 million and a tenor of one year, including moratoria of up to 90 days,” he noted.

    He added that eligible applicants must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, possess regulatory permits, and submit verified work orders, invoices or purchase orders. Acceptable collateral includes irrevocable standing payment orders from contract awarders.

    James further disclosed that the bank’s product suite includes LPO financing, invoice discounting, and asset acquisition facilities—all tailored to ease funding access for contractors.

    Adding a complementary perspective, Head of Specialised Business at NEXIM Bank, Mohammed Awami,  revealed that the bank has launched two funding windows worth $50 million to support indigenous oil and gas contractors. These include a $30 million General Facility and a $20 million Women in Oil and Gas Programme.

    “We have recorded a strong response, with a success ratio of 4.6:1. These facilities empower local service providers and promote gender diversity in the sector,” Awami said.

    On challenges surrounding fund access, General Manager of the NCDF, Ms. Fateemah Mohammed, represented by Erefagha Turner, acknowledged that despite significant disbursement growth, many applicants still fail to meet loan conditions.

    “Between January 2024 and May 2025, we saw an 11.43 per cent increase in disbursement volume and a 21.06 per cent rise in naira value. However, only 30.47 per cent of applicants met disbursement conditions under BOI windows,” she said.

    To address these gaps, Mohammed noted that the Board is ramping up sensitisation efforts, simplifying application requirements, and considering more flexible collateral frameworks, especially for women and community-based groups.

  • NCDMB to verify available capacity of Nigerian service providers

    NCDMB to verify available capacity of Nigerian service providers

    Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Monday said revealed its plan to commission a baseline study to verify the available capacity of Nigerian service providers.

    It will also commission a baseline study of consumables and other good utilized in the oil and gas industry.

    Its Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe broke the news at the ongoing 24th Edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja. 

    The theme of the conference is 

    “Theme – Achieving Energy Sufficiency through Local Content Implementation.’’

    His words: “The Board will also commission a Baseline Study to ascertain and verify the available capacity of Nigerian service providers.

    Similarly, we will also commission a Baseline Study of the consumables and other goods that are used in the oil and gas industry.”

    According to him, the study will also identify Nigerian companies that produce these goods and confirm their capacities.

    The Executive Secretary explained that 

    the Back-To-The-Creek Programme of the Board.

    Ogbe said the Back to the Creek Programme aligns with the Eight-Point Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

     The program, according to him, seeks to achieve Economic Growth and create jobs by focusing on vocational skills, ICT and STEM education of students and youths in the creeks.

    He added that it also, aligns with the “Nigeria First policy” as it is an initiative that seeks to develop the human capital of the creeks towards developing a pool of workforce for Nigerian industries.

    Ogbe said the programme reinforces the Technical Capability Development pillar of the 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.

    The Back-To-The-Creek Programme, he said, focuses on developing educational infrastructure in the creek by upgrading selected primary and secondary schools. He further stressed that it will pay stipends to teachers with the aim of retaining good quality teachers to live and teach in the creek.

    The Executive Secretary said the initiative will focus on developing the digitization of schools syllabus in the Creeks.

    He explained that it will also focus on developing vocational skills among youths in primary and secondary schools while also providing scholarship opportunities for gifted students.

    Earlier, he said the Federal Government has taken some bold steps to deepen Nigerian Content across the Nation to ensure energy sufficiency.

    He said it started with the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 which has been operational for the past 15 years now.

    Ogbe said several Executive Orders such as Executive Order 001 Ease of Doing Business and Executive Order 005 Giving Preferences to Nigerian companies & firms for procurement contract awards have been issued.  

    The Executive Secretary stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 8 Presidential Focus Areas of his administration in August 2023. 

    He said similarly, the Federal Government issued the Presidential Directives on Local Content Requirements and the Board has developed and issued Guidelines to implement the directives. 

    The most recent policy, according to him, is aimed at deepening local content is the “Nigeria First Policy” 

    He said at the heart of this administration’s agenda is a deliberate and strategic push to reclaim our economic independence by harnessing our local capacity. 

    Continuing, Ogbe said, “The Nigeria First Policy represents this vision. It is rooted in a simple but powerful principle that “All goods or services that are produced and/or available locally will not be procured from foreign sources unless there is a clear and justifiable reason.”

    “This principle is in line with Section 3 (1) of the NOGICD Act which states that first consideration must be given to Nigerian goods and services. 

    “Let me add that such goods and services must meet the required industry standards.

    “The Nigeria First Policy is a bold commitment to build national pride, industrial competence, and sustainable economic growth by putting Nigerian-made products and services first.

    “To ensure this policy translates from paper to tangible progress, the Board is already taking some steps.

    “First, we are developing a Nigeria First Procurement policy for the Board. 

    The Board is incorporating the Nigeria First policy into our internal processes and systems. 

    “The policy will be considered for reviewing and approving Nigeria Content Plans, Nigeria Content Compliance Certifications, and so on.”

    Ogbe said local content is not just a policy, it is a strategic imperative” that creates an enabling environment for investment.

    Read Also: NCDMB’s support boosts Yikodeen’s expansion

    “A nation that aspires to be energy-sufficient must build its energy from within hence we must deepen our local capacities across the oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to processing and delivery to end users. 

    By doing so, we will not only retain economic value within our borders but also mitigate supply disruptions, create jobs, and build technological resilience – further contributing to our energy sufficiency.”

    He said the “Nigeria First Policy” is not just a procurement adjustment. 

    He added that it is about restoring dignity to Nigerian Enterprises, unlocking local capacities, and building an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

    Ogbe said the intentional development of local capacity is a direct precursor to energy sufficiency in Nigeria and the African continent at large.  

  • NCDMB backs local content drive Firm unveils factory

    NCDMB backs local content drive Firm unveils factory

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has pledged full support for the expanded operations of Yikodeen Company Limited, a Nigerian firm manufacturing safety footwear to global standards.

    The endorsement came as Yikodeen inaugurated a 120,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in Ejigbo, Lagos State, capable of producing 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily.

    Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, an engineer at the inauguration, the Board’s Director of Capacity Building, Abayomi Bamidele, an engineer, hailed the development as a milestone that aligns with the Board’s mission to deepen local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and beyond.

    “Enterprises like Yikodeen embody what NCDMB stands for — development and monitoring. We are committed to ensuring Nigerian-made products are not only produced but also utilised,” Bamidele said.

    He reiterated the Board’s commitment to facilitating the adoption of Yikodeen’s products across the oil and gas sector, noting that the firm’s output meets global safety standards and has already been adopted by major industry players.

    “In line with the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy, all safety footwear procured with public funds must be made in Nigeria. Yikodeen is strategically positioned to benefit from this directive,” he added.

    Commending the entrepreneurial journey of Yikodeen’s founder, Atunde Shamsideen, Bamidele remarked, “If he started in 2016, you can imagine how young he was. That ‘shoemaker’ is now a billionaire shoemaker.”

    Read Also: Nigeria opens door to new economy as Tinubu signs landmark tax reform laws

    He encouraged Nigerian youths to pursue entrepreneurship with passion and resilience, describing Yikodeen’s growth as a source of national pride.

    Speaking at the event on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described Yikodeen as a testament to Lagos’ industrial transformation agenda.

    “From a humble workshop in 2016, Yikodeen has become the largest safety footwear manufacturer in West Africa. This factory is not just an industrial site—it is a movement that proves Lagos can produce, compete, and export globally,” she said.

    She added that Yikodeen’s operations align with the Lagos State Industrial Policy (2025–2030), which targets doubling manufacturing’s contribution to the state’s GDP, reducing reliance on imports, and boosting local value chains.

    “Yikodeen is producing more than boots; it is producing livelihoods, opportunity, and dignity,” Sanwo-Olu declared.

    Founder and CEO Atunde Shamsideen recounted the company’s origins in 2015, starting with just 20 pairs of shoes in a small room. “Today, we produce over 2,000 pairs daily to international standards including ISO, ASTM, and Nigerian Industrial Standards,” he said.

    He credited NCDMB for championing the company’s products through rigorous testing and integration into the supply chains of major oil and gas firms like Saipem and Daewoo.

    “Thanks to enforcement by NCDMB, our products made it through. Today, those same companies are among our biggest customers,” he stated.

    Shamsideen emphasized the potential for job creation if local procurement policies are strictly implemented. “Currently, only two per cent of safety boots used in Nigeria are locally made. Enforcing local purchase in oil, gas, and public sectors could create over 35,000 jobs,” he said.

    He also highlighted Yikodeen’s impact on community development, including engaging women in raw material recycling and training over 1,000 people annually.

    “Buying Made-in-Nigeria is about more than economics; it’s about building value chains and restoring national dignity,” he added.

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) represented by Director for Lagos Operations, Teresa Ojomo, on behalf of Director General Ifeanyi Okeke, commended the firm’s compliance with national and global safety standards.

    “This factory is a declaration that Nigerian manufacturing can lead on the world stage,” she said, reaffirming SON’s continued support.

    She noted Yikodeen’s certifications under NIS ISO 20346:2004 and ISO 20345:2022, stating, “Standards are not obstacles — they are enablers of market access and quality assurance.”

    The Ogwa-Olusan of Warri, Brown Mene, representing His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, described Yikodeen as a shining example of resilience and innovation.

    “This is a stubborn vision that refused to die, proving that Nigeria is on an upward trajectory. The Yikodeen name will shine proudly on the global stage,” he declared.

  • NCDMB’s support boosts Yikodeen’s expansion

    NCDMB’s support boosts Yikodeen’s expansion

    Following its recent strategic investment from Aruwa Capital Management and successful participation at the Nigerian Oil & Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) in Bayelsa, Yikodeen, Nigeria’s leading indigenous footwear manufacturer, will officially unveil its newly expanded manufacturing facility at a grand recommissioning event on June 24, 2025. The unveiling represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s local content promotion by NCDMB and positions Yikodeen as home to the most technologically advanced safety footwear production facility in West Africa.

    The recommissioning ceremony, to be held at the company’s manufacturing headquarters in Lagos, will reveal the culmination of months of intensive equipment installation, facility upgrades, and workforce training. Industry leaders, government officials, and media representatives have been invited to witness this significant step towards a more self-reliant and globally competitive Nigerian manufacturing sector, with Yikodeen leading the transformation.

    As a testament to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s unwavering support for local manufacturing and capacity development, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has been duly appointed as the Special Guest of Honour at the recommissioning of the Yikodeen Factory. His presence at the event will not only underscore the Board’s commitment to deepening Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry but also further solidify the strategic partnership between NCDMB and Yikodeen as the only approved safety footwear manufacturer and supplier in the sector.

    “This facility represents a new chapter of possibilities not just for Yikodeen, but for Nigerian manufacturing as a whole,” said Yinka Shamsideen, Founder and CEO of Yikodeen. “What guests will see on June 24 is proof of what’s possible when we bet on ourselves, world-class ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products that compete globally while addressing local needs. Our recent success at NOGOF demonstrates the industry’s confidence in our capabilities to serve Nigeria’s most critical sectors.”

    READ ALSO; Tinubu’s 2027 landscape: Reform, resistance and the road ahead

    The redesigned facility accommodates specialized production lines dedicated to multiple product categories, enabling simultaneous manufacturing with category-specific expertise across industrial safety footwear suitable for different industries including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and mining, back-to-school shoes designed for educational institutions, military and paramilitary footwear meeting rigorous security and defense sector demands, and athletic footwear under the popular Yiko Plus brand for sports and casual wear.

    A major breakthrough for the Nigerian manufacturing sector, the facility features complete sole manufacturing capability, reducing dependency on imported components and ensuring quality control from raw materials to finished products. The on-site standard testing laboratory ensures all products meet or exceed ISO and ASTM international standards, providing customers with certified quality assurance. Demonstrating commitment to sustainable manufacturing, the facility operates on alternative power sources, ensuring consistent production capacity while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

    Complementing these technical advancements, an in-house training center supports continuous upskilling of the workforce, ensuring Yikodeen’s team remains at the cutting edge of footwear manufacturing technology and techniques.

    With these upgrades, Yikodeen will increase its production capacity from 500 pairs daily to a projected 2,500 pairs at full operation, making it the largest footwear manufacturer in West Africa. This tenfold increase in capacity is expected to create approximately 200 new jobs, bringing the company’s total workforce to nearly 500 skilled employees. Central to Yikodeen’s expansion strategy is a strong commitment to women’s and youth empowerment, ensuring these demographics are pivotal in its employment strategy, creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen local communities while building a diverse, skilled workforce capable of operating advanced manufacturing technology.

    “This facility represents what’s possible when homegrown businesses receive the right investment and support,” noted Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder and Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management. “Yikodeen exemplifies how strategic capital combined with visionary leadership can transform industries and create a significant economic impact.”

    The recommissioning event will include guided tours of the production facilities showcasing over a thousand machines and equipment, live demonstrations of the new manufacturing processes across all product lines.

    Yikodeen is an indigenous Nigerian footwear manufacturer committed to producing high-quality footwear that meets the diverse needs of both B2B and B2C audiences. Since 2016, Yikodeen has grown from producing 20 pairs of footwear daily to a current capacity of 500 pairs, with plans to reach 5,000 pairs daily following its facility expansion

  • Senate Committee lauds NCDMB for advancing local content in oil and gas sector

    Senate Committee lauds NCDMB for advancing local content in oil and gas sector

    Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been commended for its ongoing efforts to deepen local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    The Senate Committee on Local Content Vice Chairman, Sen. Ede Dafinone, (APC-Delta Central), made the commendation at the conclusion of a two-day oversight visit to the NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa. Members of the committee undertook a tour of the Board’s flagship project, the nearly completed Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) during the visit.

    It is located at Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government Area, already being occupied.

    Read Also: Youths ask NASS to partner NCDMB capacity building programme

    Dafinone expressed satisfaction with the board’s progress and said the committee was impressed not only by the physical infrastructure but also by the wide range of capacity-building programmes implemented by it for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “This is the first oversight visit of the 10th Senate to the NCDMB. We had time with the Executive Secretary (ES) and his team to understand what they do and the results we’re seeing for Nigerians.

    “I have to say we are impressed. The industrial park is nearly finished and already being occupied.

    “But beyond the physical structures, the NCDMB’s work extends to training and human capacity development programmes that are crucial to the sector and to our national development.”

  • Train 7 project 80% complete, as NCDMB, NLNG scales up human capacity training

    Train 7 project 80% complete, as NCDMB, NLNG scales up human capacity training

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited have inaugurated 140 trainees for an intensive three-month Advanced Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD) Programme for the $5 billion NLNG Train 7 Project on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

    The trainees, who are graduates in different academic disciplines, had completed a 12-month Basic Training Programme in diverse oil-and-gas-industry-related skill sets and are now for the on-the-job phase.

    This phase includes active hands-on participation in operational areas such as Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), Commissioning, and Desktop Programmes, among others.

    In November last year , a set of 331 trainees under Batch A of the NLNG T7 HCD Training Programme had begun capacity development in facility management, engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as well as welding and fabrication.

    Another set of 77 trainees under Batch B of the same Training Programme began capacity development in data analytics and supply chain management among several other fields relevant to the operations of the oil and gas industry.   

    Addressing the trainees and trainers drawn from the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as well as Management personnel of the NCDMB and NLNG, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Advanced NC-HCD training is more than a milestone, but an expression of the collective commitment of the Board and the NLNG “to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of our oil and gas industry.”   

    Read Also: NCDMB boss appointed to APPO executive board

    He said the Board has remained steadfast in its conviction that Human Capital Development is “a critical investment in the sustainability and competiveness” of Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, pointing out that over 400 Nigerians have undergone basic training in diverse technical, vocational, and specialized areas and are equipped with practical skills directly aligned with industry needs.

    According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Manager, Human Capital Development, Tarilate Teide-Bribena, the Board and NLNG are “advancing even further by formally launching the on-the-job component of the NLNG Train 7 NC-HCD Programme,” which would see 140 bright and promising Nigerians gain practical exposure and real-time experience across technical domains within the NLNG operational plants in Bonny Island.

    He commended the NLNG, which he described as “a trusted and forward-looking partner in the development of [Nigeria’s] human capital base,” for its unwavering partnership, noting that the company has not only complied with Nigerian Content requirements but “has consistently shown leadership in embracing the spirit of national capacity building.”

     Ogbe also acknowledged the critical role of OGTAN for being instrumental in aligning training content, delivery standards, and capacity development frameworks with the actual needs of the industry. The trainers, he noted, have helped to bridge the gap between training and employability – ensuring that trainees do not just learn but are ready to add value from day one.

    In her remarks,  General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, expressed profound appreciation to the NCDMB for productive collaboration on the HCD Programme, which she described as “a reaffirmation of NLNG’s unwavering commitment to human capital development.”

    She said the support of the NCDMB has enabled the NLNG to effectively carry out its programme for the development of a strong, skilled and highly professional workforce for the country’s oil and gas industry. The trainings, she noted, are particularly significant as the NLNG Train 7 Project, which involves very advanced technology, has reached 80 per cent completion, and highly skilled technical manpower would be required. Final Investment Decision on the project was signed in December 2019.

    On what she described as “robust, advanced … on-the-job training programme,” Hosfall disclosed that the trainees would work within the facilities of the NLNG on Bonny Island.

    In closing remarks, the Nigerian Content Manager , NLNG, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, thanked the NCDMB for the partnership between the two organisations, and expressed his belief that the industry would continue to benefit from their collective endeavours.

    He advised trainees to get themselves organised for their three-month programme on Bonny Island, which begins on June 16, 2025, and to ensure they do not become distracted in the course of their training.

  • NCDMB boss appointed to APPO executive board

    NCDMB boss appointed to APPO executive board

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has been appointed to the Executive Board of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO).

    Ogbe will represent Nigeria on the board of the 18-member continental body, headquartered in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. His nomination was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who also serves as chairman of the NCDMB Governing Council.

    The announcement was conveyed in a congratulatory letter signed by Philomena Ikoko, APPO’s Director of Support Services, on behalf of the Secretary General, Omar Farouk Ibrahim. Ikoko commended Ogbe, noting the confidence placed in him by the minister and expressing optimism that his contributions would impact the oil and gas industry.

     “You are joining the Executive Board at a critical period for the oil and gas sector in Africa,” she stated. “Your appointment is a major call to duty for both Nigeria and the continent. The APPO Secretariat will provide all necessary support to ensure your success.”

    Under Ogbe’s leadership, NCDMB has played a pivotal role in promoting local content development across Africa. The Board has extended institutional support and mentorship to several oil-producing nations in crafting their local content policies.

    NCDMB also initiated the African Local Content Roundtable (ALCR), hosting the inaugural edition in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in June 2021, with participation from APPO officials and other key stakeholders. It was during this event that the concept of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) was first proposed—an initiative aimed at accelerating growth in the African oil and gas industry by addressing funding constraints and boosting local participation.

    Subsequent editions of the ALCR, including the 2023 event in Abuja, were hosted in collaboration with APPO. The Africa Energy Bank, currently being established in Abuja, is designed to pool financial resources to fund major oil and gas projects across Africa and reduce reliance on external financiers.

    Read Also: Youths ask NASS to partner NCDMB capacity building programme

    According to APPO Secretary General Omar Farouk Ibrahim, each member country is expected to contribute $83 million toward a $5 billion target capital for the bank. Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana have already fulfilled their capital obligations, collectively contributing 44% of the required minimum.

    Speaking at the recent Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), Ogbe confirmed NCDMB’s key role in mobilizing support for the Africa Energy Bank. He announced that the bank is expected to commence operations before the end of Q2 2025, and expressed hope that it will enhance funding for local oil and gas projects and indigenous companies.

    Also addressing stakeholders at the Offshore Technology Conference, Minister Lokpobiri revealed that Afreximbank has secured $19 billion for the bank’s take-off—$14 billion in existing financial commitments for African oil and gas projects, and an additional $5 billion as start-up capital.

  • Youths ask NASS to partner NCDMB capacity building programme

    Youths ask NASS to partner NCDMB capacity building programme

    Participants at the just-concluded digital skills training and youth human capital development, organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with House of Representatives member representing Ojo federal constituency, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, have called on lawmakers in both Chambers to key into in-country capacity building initiatives of NCDMB.

    Dr Abraham Alfred, a participant of the five days event noted that the training is meant to build capacity as a regulatory board in the oil and gas industry:

    “We also have the mandate for capacity building in the form of training and capacity building in the form of conferences and workshops.

    “Our goal is to grow in country capacity and capabilities. The fact is that we are to regulate local content and in-country capacity, but we can not achieve that without building capacity. This is why we took it as a mandate to build in-country capacity.

    Read Also: Tinubu to inaugurate Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, other landmark projects

    “This is very novel and inspiring. Eng. Seyi is seen as a visionary leader for having come up with a capacity-building training in his constituency because the new age is information technology; this shows his concern toow in-country capacity. FCDND is a federal parastatal that is meant to drive the value chain.

    “It is not a bad idea if every senator keys into this to build in-country capacity.”

    Also speaking as a beneficiary of the training, Mr Segun Martins, while commending NCMB and Sowunmi, described the training as “impactful and enjoyable in the process of learning”.

    “In this age , infotech is the leading industry that has the capacity to employ countless young men across Nigeria. I am happy, hon. Seyi gave us the opportunity to believe in the government again.

    “Because Nigeria has the resources to take care of all of us, it’s only a few hands that are mismanaging the resources. But with the right people in charge, like Hon. Sowunmi, they can take Nigeria to greater heights.”

    Adding her voice, another participant, Miss Eze Amarachukwu, noted that the programme was interacting and encouraging and said, “It’s worth the time, and I would urge other public office holders to take advantage of the programme by empowering youths in their constituencies.”

  • Group urges investigation into NCDMB financial management, calls for leadership accountability

    Group urges investigation into NCDMB financial management, calls for leadership accountability

    The Network for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (NOSTR) has called for transparency and accountability in the operations of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), urging its Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, to step aside to enable an independent investigation into recent financial transactions.

    In a statement signed by its president, Ambassador Charles Abakpa, the group expressed concern over reports of payments allegedly made to a private consulting firm, which it said requires further scrutiny to ensure compliance with due process and procurement regulations.

    The group claimed that the payments, reportedly amounting to over $4.7 million, were linked to efforts to recover deductions from the Nigerian Content Development Fund by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

    Read Also: NCDMB to showcase oil, gas opportunities to delegates

    It called for clarity on the procedure followed and urged relevant authorities to review the matter.

    The statement also referenced documents showing the Board’s approval of over N580 million for a five-day training in London for board members and stakeholders.

    The group advised that public spending, especially on foreign engagements, be carefully evaluated for impact and necessity, particularly in light of current economic challenges.

    NOSTR also highlighted the importance of following proper channels in appointments and financial decision-making, noting that all actions within public institutions must align with established rules and oversight mechanisms.

    The group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take an interest in the matter, emphasising the importance of upholding public trust and strengthening transparency within government institutions.

    NOSTR reiterated its belief in peaceful civic engagement and the rule of law, calling for a thorough review of the Board’s recent activities and urging the leadership to cooperate fully with any investigations that may arise.

    The group, however, stated that if no decisive action is taken within two weeks, it will organise a peaceful protest in Abuja to advocate for accountability and ensure that the matter is thoroughly addressed.

  • NCDMB to showcase oil, gas opportunities to delegates

    NCDMB to showcase oil, gas opportunities to delegates

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is set to host the 5th edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) from May 20 to 22, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event is expected to draw around 1,000 delegates.

    Held biennially, NOGOF provides a vital platform for unveiling upcoming project opportunities across the oil and gas value chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream.

    It aims to attract investments and promote local content. Attendees will include federal ministers, industry regulators, and chief executives from both international and indigenous oil and gas companies.

    More than 50 exhibition booths will feature industry players, manufacturers, and researchers. As in previous editions since 2017, the event will showcase exclusive project presentations from about 25 industry experts, alongside thought-provoking panel discussions, technical workshops, exhibitions of innovations and services, and high-level networking sessions.

    Read Also: Tinubu make four fresh appointments into NCDMB Governing Council

    Organised by Jake Riley, NOGOF 2025 is sponsored by Chevron, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), Coleman Wires and Cables, Renaissance Africa Energy, Nigeria LNG (NLNG), Nigerchin Wires and Cables, Dorman Long Engineering, First E&P, Greenville LNG, Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited, EVOMEC Limited, Antan Producing Limited, Enageed, and Sterling Oil Exploration and Production.

    A key feature of this year’s fair is the introduction of the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, set to take place on May 21. The awards will honour individuals and organisations that made significant strides in promoting Nigerian content in 2024 and contributed meaningfully to the country’s economic growth and industry excellence.