In a  stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to define practical strategies for implementing the report, aimed at expanding local manufacturing capacity, empowering indigenous enterprises, and reducing reliance on imported component, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, underscored the Board’s drive to deepen local capacity, promote industrialisation, and maximise value retention in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Represented by the General Manager, Institutional Development, Capacity Building Directorate, Olugbenga Sheba,
Ogbe emphasised that developing the capacity to manufacture critical industry components within the country would not only strengthen indigenous enterprises and improve technical competence, but position Nigerian companies to participate more effectively in the supply chains of major oil and gas projects.

He cited the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, which provides for first consideration of Nigerian goods and services, reinforcing the statutory basis for promoting indigenous participation and local production.

According to him, the Board remains committed to ensuring that the implementation of the study report’s recommendations is guided by the provisions of the Act and creates greater opportunities for qualified Nigerian companies to thrive.

“Today’s rollout is not an isolated initiative; it is an integral pillar of our NCDMB 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, which targets achieving 70% Nigerian Content by 2027,” he stated.

Ogbe explained that the implementation of the study report would directly advance the technical capability development pillar of the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap by addressing identified skills gaps, technological deficiencies, and limitations in local manufacturing capacity.

He outlined key areas of focus for the implementation process to include infrastructure expansion, structured capacity-building initiatives, improved access to capital and strategic partnerships, as well as effective monitoring, compliance, and enforcement.

The NCDMB boss urged stakeholders to demonstrate strong commitment to the implementation process, insisting that collaboration among the Board, indigenous manufacturers, operators, service companies, financial institutions, and other industry players remained critical to achieving sustainable results.

In his presentation, Assistant Manager, Institutional Strengthening of the Capacity Building Directorate, Nander Salmwang, disclosed that approximately 60 indigenous companies had been identified in the assessment, with only 18 meeting the required criteria.

Salmwang also highlighted challenges affecting the development and expansion of in-country manufacturing capacity, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to bridge existing gaps.

On his part, the Manager, Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF),  Emmanuel Yusuf, presented funding opportunities available through the NCDF, explaining the relevance of financial support to indigenous companies and community contractors seeking to strengthen their operations and participate more actively in the industry’s supply chain.

The meeting also highlighted the relevance of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGaPS) in supporting the development of local manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities.

Other presentations and discussions provided a platform for stakeholders to examine existing opportunities, identify implementation challenges, and explore practical approaches to improving indigenous participation in the manufacturing of critical oil and gas equipment and components.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu