NCDMB Facilitates Collaborative Workshop on Research and Innovation in Oil Industry

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently orchestrated a comprehensive three-day Research and Development (R&D) Zonal Workshop at the prestigious Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma. This gathering served as a platform for prominent stakeholders within the oil and gas sector and esteemed academics to converge, delving into vital discussions around needs-driven research and fostering deeper collaboration and linkages within the industry.

Taking place against the backdrop of the theme “Fueling Transformation and Modernization,” the workshop unfolded at the Guyana Marriott Hotel from February 19 to 22, drawing participants from diverse regions.

They engaged fervently in discussions and practical demonstrations spotlighting research breakthroughs pertaining to software and hardware advancements relevant to the oil and gas industry. The agenda also featured in-depth explorations of bioremediation techniques, innovative oil field chemical solutions—including additives and drilling fluids—and renewable energy solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

In his keynote address, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, shed light on the board’s pivotal role in coordinating and overseeing research and development endeavors within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

He underscored critical challenges impeding the research landscape, notably the lack of adequate infrastructure and funding. Engr. Ogbe delineated a strategic roadmap to address these obstacles, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of Research Centres of Excellence and the Nigerian Content Research and Development Fund.

Highlighting a tangible success story resulting from research commercialization, Engr. Ogbe pointed to the commissioning of the Amal Technology Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Facility in Abuja. This achievement, he emphasized, underscores the efficacy of the NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation policy in driving tangible outcomes within the industry.

The workshop, a collaborative effort between the NCDMB and tertiary institutions across Nigeria, aimed to nurture stronger ties between industry stakeholders, academia, and government entities to spur economic development. Mr. Isaac Yalah, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the NCDMB, stressed the importance of integrating industry expertise into university curricula to bolster training and human capital development.

In his address, Professor Allen Aziba-Odumosu Agih, the Vice Chancellor of NDU, lauded the NCDMB’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and applauded the fruitful partnership between the university and the board. He urged participants to ensure that the outcomes of the workshop translate into tangible benefits for the industry.

Facilitated by Wider Perspectives Ltd., the workshop featured technical sessions helmed by industry experts, academics, and policymakers. These sessions covered an array of topics, including

• innovative software and hardware development,
• advances in oil field chemical solutions, and
• avenues for securing funding for research and development initiatives.The presentations aimed to equip research directors and lecturers with the requisite skills to craft compelling research proposals and tap into funding opportunities to drive innovation within the oil and gas sector.

Earlier in a programme overview, the Managing Director, Wider Perspectives Ltd., facilitators of the event, Mrs. Edughom Hanson, said interactions between oil and gas industry players, academics and policy-makers are vital for the successes the country seeks in national development.

She noted that, among other objectives, the Workshop seeks to build the capacity of research directors and lecturers in writing and reading compelling research proposals.

“There are a lot of opportunities, a lot of grants that can be accessed out there for research purposes,” she stated, adding, “But the way you write the proposals matter.”

Presentations at the Technical Sessions include

• “Innovation on Software Development: Success Factors, Constraints and Look Ahead”;
• “Innovation on Hardware Development: Success Factors, Constraints, and Look Ahead”;
• “Innovations on Oil Field Chemical Development: Success Factors, Constraints, and Look Ahead,” and
• “Available Funding on Research and Development: Impact and Accessibility.”

Resource persons are

• Mr ThankGod Egbe, Managing Director, CypherCrescent,
• Dr Keluo Chukwuogu, Founder/CEO, Boskel Nigeria Ltd.;
• Jonathan Amarachi Njoku, Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics,
• NCDMB; Professor Joel Ogbonna, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Abia State;
• Mr Pacqueens Irabor, Manager South, Bank of Industry;
• Professor Yelebe Zekieni Robert, Director, NCDMB Centre of Excellence, NDU;
• Silas Omomehin Ajimijaye, General Manager, Research, Statistics & Development, NCDMB, and
• Professor (Mrs) Iheoma M. Adekunle, Director, Consultancy and Institutional Advancement, Federal University, Otuoke.