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NCDMB Achieves 56% Local Content In Oil, Gas Industry  … As FG plans FIDs On Gas

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says it has achieved a 56 percent local content level in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The Board said efforts have been intensified to realize a 70 per cent local content level by 2027.
It further said Nigeria’s content transited from 20 percent in 2016 to 56 percent in 2024.
The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, disclosed this at the opening of the 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Bayelsa, yesterday.
He also assured that the NCDMB remains committed to the Board’s programme, Back to the Creek initiative, aimed at improving the human capacity of indigenes of oil and gas host communities, including scholarships award for high educations learning.
According to him, the Board is also committed to establishing a Revised Community Contractor fund to remove obstacles for community contractors and the establishment of Nigerian Content Academy in order to enhance the capacity of local operators.
He stated that the academy, resident at the NCDMB headquarters in Bayelsa State, offers a range of courses while assuring that the Board would build befitting Zonal Offices in Akwa Ibom State, Rivers State and Delta State.
He said: “This academy is a cornerstone of our commitment to enhancing local capacity in the oil and gas industry, in line with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
“The Nigerian Content Academy is also a beacon of hope for employment.  Our training programs are designed to prepare Nigerians for various roles within the sector, opening doors to new career paths and economic opportunities for local communities.
“Our academy offers a range of courses that cover every aspect of the oil and gas industry, from upstream exploration to downstream processing.
“As part of our commitment to further deepen Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, we are committing to developing more conducive and befitting Zonal Offices.
“This will enable us to deploy our personnel across various Directorates to operate fully from our Zonal offices thereby making the Zonal offices to be fully operational”.
Similarly, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said: “Under the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources – gas is aligning its policies with the aspirations of Nigerians, ensuring that local content remains a priority in all facets of our energy strategy.
“Through the Decade of Gas Initiative, we are accelerating the development of critical gas assets and infrastructure to further boost production and distribution of gas across the country and for export purposes.
“In the last 12 months, 2 critical gas projects with combined volumes of 600 MMSCF/day were completed”.
According to him, “the projects already inaugurated included SEPLAT ASSA North – 300 MMSCF/Day, SPDC Ohaji south – 300 MMSCF/Day.
“Final investment decisions that will guarantee an additional 420 MMSCF/day of natural gas to existing production have been taken in the SPDC Iseni Project – 90 MMSCF/Day, TOTAL Ubeta Project – 330 MMSCF/Day while the SEPLAT Assa North and SPDC Ohaji South gas plants are already commissioned, critical pipeline infrastructure like the OB3 Gas Pipeline – This is a 48”/36″x 130km pipeline that runs from the Obiafu-Obrikom plant to Oben which sits at 97% completion and AKK – This is a 40″x 614 km pipeline from Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano currently at 77% completion.

“The OB3 Gas Pipeline and the AKK Gas Pipeline both present enormous prospects for local businesses engaged in construction, maintenance, operations, and security services as well as gas-based sectors like gas to power, gas to fertilizer and other manufacturing businesses along the lengthy corridors. By 2030, the country’s current gas production is expected to increase by almost 4 BCF/day, according to the Decade of Gas plans. At this point, we have accomplished 25% of this goal.

“Gas will be the mainstay of Nigeria’s energy shift, and we’re giving local businesses a chance to engage in gas distribution, processing, and power generation.

“The probable replacement for PMS has also been determined to be natural gas in the form of CNG. To encourage other solutions and alternatives to the massive payout from the nation, the President’s inauguration speech prohibited further fuel subsidy payments. The Presidential CNG Initiative has greatly advanced the nation’s cause of switching from PMS to CNG-powered engines”.

On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limites (NNPCL),  Mallam Mele Kyari, said: “Since the landmark enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010, we have witnessed a profound transformation in local content development.

“With its remarkable achievement, this pivotal legislation has empowered local businesses and ignited a wave of innovation, propelling us to the forefront of global competitiveness. Let’s take a moment to feel proud of these significant strides.

“The NCDMB has been a cornerstone in driving the local content agenda forward. NCDMB’s unwavering efforts, commitment, and strategic initiatives have reassured us that we are maximizing the benefits of our rich resources and supporting the industrialization efforts of companies that are actively providing services within the Nigerian energy sector.

The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 further underscores our commitment to local content. This comprehensive framework not only promotes investment but also ensures transparency and sustainability in our operations, providing a secure and optimistic outlook for the future of local content development.

“Additionally, the recent Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements for 2024 is a clear testament to our government’s commitment to prioritising local content as a key element of our national strategy. This directive should make us all feel secure and committed to the local content strategy”.
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NCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Monday signed an international management agreement (IMA), with Radisson Hospitality, Belgium and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company with respect to the Board’s 204 rooms hotel and conference center, developed adjacent to the Content Tower, headquarters of the NCDMB in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State.
A statement by the Board’s Directorate of Corporate Communications says the management agreement was signed in Durban, South Africa by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy and Director of Radisson, Mr. Garnier Erwan.
Giving assent to the agreement, Ogbe affirmed that discussions, reviews, and compliance requirements have lasted for over two years, and that the Board secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including the Attorney?General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN.
“The support of stakeholders ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards.The aspiration of the NCDMB is to deliver a world?class hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a fully equipped conference centre—designed to serve the oil and gas industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public”, he said.
He pledged the NCDMB’S commitment to completing the hotel on schedule time and achieving the opening in December, 2026.
“We appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre?opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standard. We will do our best to meet our obligations”, Ogbe added.
The Board’s Scribe charged the  Hospitality firm to bring its expertise, systems, and brand strength to deliver a hotel that offers excellent service and guest experience, expressing hope that the partnership with Edison Hotels will create a facility that reflects global quality and supports Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.
“This project reflects NCDMB’S commitment to using strategic investments to boost productivity, attract investment, build local content, and expand opportunities for business and tourism in Nigeria when completed.
“Radisson Hotel and Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel, but also as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve”, Ogbe noted.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Vivian Reedy described the organisation’s  role as a bridge between the owner and the operator, highlighting the group’s intensive experience in the hotel industry, and determination to ensure alignment, transparency, accountability and performance.
“We understand that a successful hotel is not just about buildings. It is about disciplined management, strong oversight, brand integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Part of our firm’s responsibility is to ensure that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects and announces the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence”, he said.
The Edison boss assured that working closely with Radisson and NCDMB’s team, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Yenagoa will become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, saying it is catalyst for business and investment, and a symbol of quality professionalism and international standards.
He emphasized that the firm has had wonderful successes with Radisson in other locations, even achieving 95% occupancies, noting that the company’s approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure the interests of the owners are always safeguarded.
“This project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. We thank Radisson for its global expertise and operational excellence.
“Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner”, the firm said.
In his speech, the Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, representative by Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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FG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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Senior government officials and foreign investors operating in Nigeria met in Abuja on Thursday as the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) convened the Third Existing Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) Roundtable to address challenges affecting the country’s investment climate.
The high-level engagement, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, brought together top policymakers and representatives of foreign companies for discussions aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment and strengthening investor confidence.
The roundtable forms part of PEBEC’s efforts to deepen collaboration between government institutions and the private sector while ensuring that ongoing reforms translate into tangible improvements for investors already operating in the country.
Opening the session, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, welcomed participants on behalf of the Vice President and Chairman of PEBEC, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent business environment that supports investment and economic growth.
In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, said the council remains committed to sustained engagement with investors and coordinated implementation of reforms across government agencies.
She noted that existing foreign investors play a critical role in Nigeria’s economic development through job creation, capital investment, technology transfer, and supply chain development.
According to her, PEBEC’s engagement strategy prioritises listening to investors already operating in the country in order to identify and address operational challenges affecting their businesses.
The roundtable featured presentations and interactive discussions with senior government officials responsible for regulatory and policy frameworks affecting investors.
Among them were the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olutunji Rilwan Disu.
Also participating virtually was Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and Minister of State for Finance-designate, who spoke on ongoing fiscal and tax reform initiatives aimed at improving tax certainty and strengthening revenue administration.
During the discussions, investors raised technical questions and shared insights on issues relating to security, tax administration, customs procedures and fiscal policy reforms.
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MAN warns against illegal recycling of File photo

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5 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has warned against the illegal destruction and recycling of returnable packaging materials belonging to beverage companies, following a recent police crackdown on illegal factories in Anambra State.
Earlier in February, the Nigeria Police Force, working with beverage manufacturers, reportedly raided several illegal facilities in Onitsha and surrounding areas, where individuals allegedly destroyed returnable glass bottles and plastic crates belonging to beverage companies.
In a statement on Friday, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, condemned the destruction of these packaging materials as unauthorised and economic sabotage against businesses, and hailed the efforts of the police and regulatory agencies.
“The recent raid is the outcome of sustained engagements and intelligence-led investigations and represents a decisive step by authorities to protect legitimate business operations, uphold environmental standards, and deter further illegal activity,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
The MAN DG described the practice “as criminal and a serious economic sabotage… as assets remain the property of beverage companies that have invested heavily in these sustainable packaging materials to protect the environment”.
According to a Vanguard News report, the Executive Secretary of the Beer Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Abiola Laseinde, commenting on the February crackdown on alleged factories in Anambra, stated that, “The recent raid is the outcome of sustained engagements and intelligence-led investigations… a decisive step by authorities to protect legitimate business operations, uphold environmental standards and deter further illegal activity.”
Ajayi-Kadir confirmed the earlier news reports, affirming that the police acted on credible intelligence to dismantle illegal operations involving the theft, destruction, and unauthorised recycling of companies’ returnable packaging materials.
He stated that the association received reports from member companies that some factories were destroying company-owned bottles and crates for resale as raw materials, resulting in businesses losing millions of naira in investments.
“The police, working with member companies, acted on credible intelligence and stormed the factories to crack down on illegal disposal, theft, and unauthorised recycling of the returnable packaging materials of the affected companies, notably returnable glass bottles and plastic crates,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
Ajayi-Kadir added that investigations revealed that large quantities of bottles and crates were diverted from legitimate channels into informal recycling networks across the South-East.
“Member companies identified multiple illegal locations in the South-East where they crush our bottles and crates for resale as raw materials, while police investigations showed that significant quantities were being diverted from legitimate channels into informal recycling networks,” MAN’s DG said.
He noted that in several cases, reusable bottles were deliberately broken and plastic crates shredded and sold as raw materials, thereby undermining beverage companies’ circular packaging model.
He remarked, “These Returnable Packaging Materials are company-owned assets designed for multiple reuse cycles and form a critical part of their sustainability, cost-efficiency, and product quality systems. It’s a criminal activity to destroy them.”
Meanwhile, Ajayi-Kadir warned those involved in the illegal practice to desist, stressing that the association would continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders face the full weight of the law.
He added that beyond the direct loss of assets, the activities disrupt supply chains, raise operational costs and pose environmental and safety risks due to unsafe recycling practices.
MAN urged relevant government agencies to intensify efforts against the illegal diversion and destruction of returnable packaging materials outside the beverage industry’s value chain.
MAN’s DG also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities to the police or to the consumer care lines of beverage companies.
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