… says industry’s content dev has hit 61%
It was a historic moment for indigenous oil companies at the ongoing Practical Nigerian Content Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) instituted a $100 million Equity Investment Scheme for local companies to remove the stress hey encounter when sourcing for funds to execute projects.
Engineer Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Board disclosed this at the event. He also signed all the necessary documents that will put effect to the operation of the fund with the Bank of Industry (BoI) in the full glare of industry stakeholders to demonstrate that NCDMB means business.
“As part of our efforts to provide affordable finance for local players in the industry, we have concluded arrangements to establish the $100 Million Dollars Equity Investment Scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry. This is a new product in our Nigerian Content Intervention Fund,” he said.
He stated that this finance scheme will provide equity financing to high-growth indigenous energy service companies while diversifying our NCDF’s income base and strengthening local content development. He also expressed satisfaction that content development indices in the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has rising from 56% to 61%.
“The Board has completed the framework for the issuance of the NCDF Compliance Certificate. This instrument will confirm companies’ compliance to the 1% remittance obligations. The certificate will become effective 1st January 2026 and will be required to get key permits and approvals from the Board.
“In addition, as indicated in my PNC speech last year, the Board has expanded access to community contractors under the Community Contractors Scheme, achieving over 94 disbursements in 2025.”
Stating that in 2019, the Board launched the Project 100 companies, the NCDMB boss announced that following “the successful implementation of approved interventions, we will host an exit plan by April 2026 and onboard a new set of Project 100 companies.”
According to the executive secretary, the board plans to carry out a review of some of the current guidelines between Q1 and Q2 2026. We will also finalize the legal and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) to usher in the commencement of operations at Odukpani and Emeyal 1 Parks.”
“During my PNC address last year, I commented on one of our new initiatives, the Nigerian Content Academy. This year, I am happy to announce the Commencement of the Nigerian content Academy lecture series under the Academy. So far, we have held seven lectures on key industry issues.
“The construction of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre has taken off with the execution of a Contract between Julius Berger and OMRC Limited in December 2024. Mobilization to site was achieved in July 2025. The Project is proposed to be delivered in 30 months.
The NCDMB boss said in line with the Presidential Directive on Local Content Requirements, the Board has adopted measures to prevent middle men from obtaining NCECs and other certifications. This has led to reduction in multiple applications from dubious service companies.
He emphasized that effective 1st January 2026, NCDMB’s NCECs and other certificates are no longer transferable. This will ensures that entities without NCECs are not admitted into the tendering process.
“As part of our look ahead, we will hold our R and D Fair in Q2 of 2026. In addition we are about to launch our NCDMB Technology Challenge in Q1 of 2026.”
On HCD, Ogbe said; “we rolled out the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program for Top 10 skills in high demand to enhance job placements for the trainees upon completion of the program. So far, we have received over 11,000 applications for the Field Readiness program.
“On the Board’s Monitoring activities, some key projects being monitored are SNEPCo Bonga North Tranche 1, Renaissance EPU Phase 3 Development, Totalenergies Ubeta Gas Development, NNPC AKK pipeline, OB3 Gas Pipeline, ELPS Phase 3, Odidi-Warri Expansion, and NLNG Train 7.
“On the Back-to-Creek initiative, we aim to enhance STEM education in rural Niger Delta communities. We are working closely with the Niger Delta governments on this project. We have started a pilot STEM scheme that renovates primary schools and equips central secondary hubs with modern science, technology, mathematics and ICT facilities.”
According to Ogbe a “Team has completed feasibility studies and site assessments across selected schools and submitted their reports. Our interventions to enhance educational quality must continue.
“At this point, I am happy to announce that Nigerian Content levels in the projects monitored by the Board has increased from 56% to 61%. Distinguished guests, these are the highlights of our activities in the last one year. Our senior officials will provide further details during the panel sessions.
“This year’s PNC introduces a new initiative, a Townhall meeting between NCDMB and the industry. The session, which holds on Wednesday, will provide an open forum for conversations and feedback on Nigerian Content issues
“I must state that the work before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. Let us move forward with renewed purpose, and the firm belief that Nigerian Content is key to national development and industrialization.