Champions of Nigerian Content Awards: NCDMB unveils how winners will be picked
The Board's Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe says "this recognition is reserved for those who have gone beyond compliance to drive tangible growth in Nigerian Content".
As the countdown begins to the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, has revealed the rigorous selection criteria that will determine the recipients of these coveted honours.
The awards, scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB Conference Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
With the announcement of the selection process, industry stakeholders now have a clearer understanding of what it takes to earn recognition at the event, which will coincide with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF)—a platform spotlighting innovation and excellence in the industry.
According to the NCDMB, the awards will follow objective evaluation metrics designed to ensure transparency, credibility, and a commitment to actual impact rather than mere participation.
To uphold these standards, nominees will be assessed on key industry benchmarks, ensuring only the most deserving individuals and entities receive accolades.
For oil and gas operators, evaluation criteria will include production output, measured by crude oil and gas volumes. They will also be rated based on compliance with Nigerian Content Plans (NCPs) and Nigerian Content Compliance Certificates (NCCCs).
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Those adhering to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, including submission of Nigerian Content Performance Reports and Employment & Training Plans, would also have an advisory committee overseeing the awards, looking out for them.
Accordingly, these same principles of compliance and performance will be applied to financial institutions, media organisations, and individual award categories, ensuring a level playing field and merit-driven recognition.
There would be awards such as Nigerian Content Icon of the Year, Innovator of the Year, and the Women in Leadership Award. All these categories will be determined using measurable performance indicators, ensuring recipients are distinguished by real industry impact rather than honorary participation.
Meet the advisory committee
To further solidify credibility, an Advisory Committee of industry experts will oversee the nomination and validation of winners. Members include the pioneer Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Dr. Ernest Nwapa.
Next to the pioneer is Dr. Omar Farouk, the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO). Mr. Wole Akinyosoye, the former Zonal Operations Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is also a member of the group.
According to NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the awards aim to set a gold standard for excellence in the oil and gas sector, akin to the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.
This recognition is reserved for those who have gone beyond compliance to drive tangible growth in Nigerian Content, he stated.
A dozen award categories
When the day comes, the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards will recognise achievements across multiple categories.
Nigerian Content Icon of the Year; Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award; Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year; Nigerian Content Independent Upstream Operator of the Year; Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year; Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year; Nigerian Content International Service Company of the Year; Nigerian Content Indigenous Service Company of the Year; Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year; Nigerian Content Financial Services Provider of the Year; Nigerian Content Media Organisation of the Year; Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment
With its focus on credibility, compliance, and measurable impact, the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards is poised to redefine the standards of recognition in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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Come 21 May 2025, stakeholders from across the industry will converge at the NCDMB Conference Hall, Yenagoa, to celebrate more excellence, innovation, and the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations committed to Nigerian Content development.
