On August 29, 2025, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) emphasised its dedication to enhancing Nigerian involvement in the oil and gas sector.
During a gathering in Port Harcourt, board officials addressed media representatives and youth organisations from the Niger Delta, clarifying the agency’s nationwide focus and ongoing efforts to build skills and ensure rule-following in the industry.
The event highlighted NCDMB’s role as a federal government body established under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010. This law aimed to redefine how business operates in Nigeria’s energy field by prioritising local talent and resources.
Dr. Ezeobi Obinna, the board’s General Manager for Corporate Communications, explained that NCDMB is not limited to supporting the Niger Delta region alone. Instead, it works across the country to help Nigerians take an active part in areas like workforce development, equipment use, and overall industry growth. He stressed that the goal is to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and link the oil sector’s benefits to other parts of society.
Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services at NCDMB, shared insights into the progress made since the agency’s formation. He noted that the board has helped redefine ease of doing business in the oil and gas area, leading to major advancements for homegrown companies.
Over the past 15 years, more than 100 local firms have built strong capabilities in exploration, production, and construction work. Additionally, around 15,000 Nigerians have received training in specialised skills such as welding, marine activities, and project management engineering.
These programs are often run in partnership with groups like the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), showing NCDMB’s collaborative approach to skill-building.
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Silas Ajimijaye, NCDMB’s General Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation, pointed out extra initiatives beyond the core duties. These include organising workshops and training sessions, as well as offering support to media outlets through advertising deals and corporate social responsibility projects.
Such efforts aim to spread awareness and build stronger community ties, especially in the Niger Delta, where much of Nigeria’s oil activity happens.
The board’s work goes back to the 2010 act, which sets standards for local content without reducing quality. NCDMB monitors compliance to make sure international oil companies include Nigerian workers and suppliers in their operations.
This has helped reduce reliance on foreign expertise and boosted economic self-reliance. Officials at the Port Harcourt meeting reaffirmed their promises to keep pushing these goals, encouraging more indigenous businesses to thrive in a competitive global market.
Looking ahead, NCDMB plans to expand its training and support programs to reach even more people and sectors. By focusing on enforcement and capacity growth, the agency hopes to drive sustainable development in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.
This commitment comes at a time when the country is working to maximise its natural resources for broader national benefit, creating opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs alike. Events like the one on August 29, 2025, serve as reminders of the ongoing push toward a more inclusive energy future.
