Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called on journalists and media practitioners to critically examine and highlight the successes of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry, this appeal was made during a workshop held in port harcourt, themed “The role of the media in maintaining the tempo of Nigerian content implementation.”
Speaking at the event, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, lauded the media’s pivotal role in informing and educating the public. Represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, he emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to showcase the remarkable progress achieved in increasing in-country value addition.
“In 2025, NCDMB will mark 15 years,” Engr. Ogbe said. “From less than 5% Nigerian Content in 2010 to 56% today, we’ve made significant progress. For every N100 spent in the industry, N56 is now retained in-country through local assets, goods, expertise, and services. Our target is to achieve 70% by 2027.”
He encouraged journalists to delve deeper into the board’s activities, saying, “you need to interrogate us more—how did we achieve this, and what metrics are used? This will make your reporting more informative.”
The NCDMB reiterated its commitment to host communities, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the 70% local content target. The Board highlighted several initiatives under its Back-to-the-creeks program, aimed at empowering communities through basic education support, affordable financing for local contractors, and youth skills development.
Engr. Ogbe announced an increase in the Community Contracting Financing Scheme, raising the single obligor limit from N20 million to N100 million. This adjustment is intended to help local contractors secure and execute higher-value contracts in the oil and gas industry. These initiatives aim to foster peace and harmony in host communities, ensuring a conducive operating environment for industry players.
Addressing the role of the media, Engr. Ogbe urged journalists to monitor and report on NCDMB’s policies and interventions. “We expect the media to follow up on our initiatives to ensure they are implemented effectively. This will benefit our communities and young people,” he added.
The workshop featured three key presentations and two panel discussions:Implementing Nigerian Content New Contracting Guidelines
Engr. Bashir Ahmed, supervisor, project certification and authorisation directorate (PCAD), provided insights into NCDMB’s operations, including its mandate, regulations, and guidelines.
He discussed presidential directives issued in march 2024 by president Ahmed Tinubu to enhance local content, reduce contract timelines, and eliminate intermediaries.
Engr. Ahmed stated that these directives have revived dormant projects, attracting investors back to Nigeria and generating jobs and local content opportunities.
“According to him Nigerian content measurement metrics and 10-year strategic road map Mrs. Tassala Tersugh, general manager, midstream, NCDMB, elaborated on the Board’s strategic roadmap, emphasizing regulatory frameworks, capacity building, funding, and market access as key pillars for sustainable local content growth.”
The purpose-driven journalism in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)
Media career coach and former punch editor, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents for journalism. While AI enhances efficiency in data analysis, content creation, and multimedia generation, he stressed that ethical and intentional journalism remains paramount.
The first panel session, moderated by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, deputy manager, corporate communications, focused on achieving the 70% local content target by 2027. Panelists emphasized the need for indigenous oil and gas companies to specialize in value-driven services and highlighted the monitoring and evaluation directorate’s capacity to ensure compliance.
The second session, featuring prof. Diri Teilanyo and Dr. Doubra Timi-Wood, examined collaborations between NCDMB and other agencies, such as the Nigerian national petroleum company limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian upstream petroleum regulatory commission, to achieve shared goals.
Over 90 media organizations were represented at the workshop. Key NCDMB officials in attendance included Mr. James Eyetigha, zonal coordinator for Delta and Edo States, and Dr. Emma Ohanere, Zonal Coordinator for Abia and Imo States.
