NCDMB Dismisses Allegations of N7.7 Billion Consultancy Expenditure as False and Malicious
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has strongly refuted a recent report by Sahara Reporters, describing it as false, misleading, and malicious. The publication, released on February 12, 2025, alleged that the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, spent N7.7 billion on consultancy services and over N580 million on a five-day training in London, claims the Board has dismissed as baseless and inaccurate.
In a statement issued by the Board’s Corporate Communications Department, the NCDMB emphasized its strict adherence to transparency, accountability, and due process in all financial dealings. The Board reaffirmed that neither it nor the Executive Secretary expended the alleged amounts.
Commitment to Due Process and Strategic Development
The NCDMB clarified that its activities are guided by a 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, developed in 2017, with a core goal of ensuring 70% in-country retention of oil and gas industry expenditure by 2027. One of the key enablers of this roadmap is Stakeholder Collaboration and Engagement, which necessitates periodic Strategic Workshops with government agencies to enhance the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
The Board stressed that every expenditure, including the organization of these workshops, strictly follows government-approved financial and procurement guidelines, under the oversight of relevant regulatory bodies.
Reputation Under Attack
NCDMB expressed disappointment over Sahara Reporters’ failure to conduct proper investigative journalism before publishing its claims. The Board noted that its Corporate Communications team is always available for verification, and the refusal of the publication to seek clarification suggests an intentional attempt to mislead the public and damage the Board’s reputation.
Proven Track Record of Transparency and Excellence
As proof of its commitment to good governance, the NCDMB highlighted several achievements:
- Top ranking in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Report for three consecutive years.
- Recognition through the Nigeria Govtech Award and Distinguished Govtech Trailblazers Award for excellence in digital governance and public sector innovation.
The Board assured the public that these malicious allegations would not deter the Executive Secretary from executing the organization’s mandate. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the NCDMB remains committed to building local capacity, empowering Nigerians, and creating sustainable job opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
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The statement concluded with a call for responsible journalism, urging media houses to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misleading narratives.
Source: Corporate Communications, NCDMB
