Nigerian Content Performance Hits 56% in 2024, NCDMB Reports
The Nigerian Content performance in the oil and gas industry has reached a record 56% in 2024, according to Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). He made the announcement at the 13th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Conference and Exhibition held at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, which brought together top government officials and industry leaders, included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo. Other notable attendees included Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content; Hon. Boma Goodhead, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development; Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO); and key executives from international and indigenous oil companies.
Tracking Nigerian Content Progress
The 56% Nigerian Content performance level, assessed annually by NCDMB’s Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, reflects progress in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Data for the evaluation is derived from statutory reports submitted by companies, validated through performance reviews and compliance workshops, and cross-checked with Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCC) issued for approved projects.
The performance level has risen significantly from 26% in 2016, prior to the introduction of the Nigerian Content 10-Year Strategic Road Map (2017-2027). By 2022 and 2023, the level had reached 54%, and the latest increase underscores the Board’s commitment to achieving a 70% target by 2027.
Key Achievements and Initiatives
Engr. Ogbe highlighted several milestones, including the approval of 312 Nigerian Content Plans and the issuance of 402 NCCCs. He also noted that the new Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate (PCAD) guidelines have streamlined the Board’s processes, reducing touchpoints from nine to five and cutting the contracting cycle to six months.
During the conference, Engr. Ogbe and a Bank of Industry (BoI) representative signed an agreement on the Revised Nigerian Content Community Contractors Financing Scheme. Under this scheme, N15 billion has been allocated to address funding challenges faced by local contractors, with the single obligor limit raised from N20 million to N100 million.
The NCDMB’s Nigerian Content Academy was also spotlighted as a hub for training Nigerians across the oil and gas value chain, creating new career paths and economic opportunities. As part of the event, the Ministers unveiled the Academy, underscoring its role in supporting local communities through education and skills development.
The Board’s “Back-to-the-Creeks” Initiative was another highlight, aimed at bringing Nigerian Content benefits directly to host communities. This includes developing educational facilities and equipping local youth with skills to meet industry demands.
Support for Gas Development
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo commended the NCDMB for aligning its initiatives with the Federal Government’s gas development agenda. He emphasized the Board’s impact on compressed natural gas (CNG) projects, modular gas processing plants, LPG facilities, and smart gas technologies. The Minister also highlighted two critical gas projects completed in the past year—SEPLAT’s Assa North and Shell’s Ohaji South—which together deliver 600 million standard cubic feet/day. Additionally, the 300 MMscfd Kwale Gas Gathering Hub, a collaboration between Xenergy Limited and NCDMB, was successfully commissioned.
Advancing Nigerian Content
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri praised the NCDMB for its achievements, noting Nigeria’s reputation as a model for local content implementation across Africa. He assured stakeholders that divestments by international oil companies (IOCs) are being effectively managed, with indigenous companies filling operational gaps and expanding Nigeria’s industry footprint.
Dr. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, addressed the global decline in fossil fuel funding, announcing that the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) will commence operations in the second quarter of 2025. The bank, headquartered in Abuja, aims to support energy projects across the continent.
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Local Impact and Future Directions
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, lauded the collaboration among industry stakeholders and reminded attendees of Bayelsa’s critical role in supplying gas feedstock for Nigeria’s LNG Project. He called for the establishment of an LNG train within the state to further enhance local benefits.
Mrs. Wemimo Oyelana, Country Director (Nigeria) for DMG Events, emphasized the conference’s theme, “Defining the Next Frontier for Nigerian Content Implementation,” as a platform for transformative ideas to advance Nigeria’s energy sector.
The event will continue with workshops and a visit to First Marine and Engineering Services Limited in Yenagoa, further exploring opportunities to strengthen Nigerian Content implementation.
