As 2024 draws to a close, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is intensifying its efforts to make significant strides in local content within the oil and gas industry more visible to the general public. This was the core message conveyed by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe during a December 9, 2024 workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Right there at the workshop themed “The Role of the Media in Maintaining the Tempo of Nigerian Content Implementation,” Engr. Ogbe emphasised the critical role of journalists and media stakeholders in interrogating and reporting on the performance of Nigerian Content.

He urged the media to delve deeper into the metrics and processes behind the Board’s successes, thereby ensuring that the public is well-informed about the extraordinary efforts and achievements in the local oil and gas industry.

Reflecting on the progress made since the NCDMB’s inception, Engr. Ogbe highlighted a remarkable increase in local content from less than 5 percent in 2010 to 56 percent in 2024. He expressed the Board’s ambitious target of reaching 70 percent by 2027, translating to significant retention of value within the country. For every N100 spent in the industry by operators and service companies, N56 is now retained in-country in terms of value addition, he noted.

Being open to knowledge-sharing

Engr. Ogbe stressed the importance of transparency and knowledge sharing in the media’s reportage. He called for more rigorous questioning and analysis of the Board’s methodologies and achievements, assuring journalists of the Board’s support in providing necessary clarifications.

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This approach, he believes, will enhance the quality of reporting and help the public appreciate the Board’s impact on the industry.

The Executive Secretary, represented by the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, outlined the Board’s strategic goal to integrate host communities into the oil and gas supply chain. This integration is seen as a critical enabler for achieving the proposed 70 percent local content target by 2027.

Initiatives like the Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative aim to support basic education, provide affordable finance to community contractors, and equip youths with relevant industry skills, thereby contributing to the local economy.

Enhancing Community Participation

One significant measure discussed was the upward revision of the Community Contracting Financing Scheme. The single obligor has been raised from  ₦20 million to  ₦100 million, providing local contractors with more opportunities to secure and execute reasonable contracts in the oil and gas industry.

This initiative is expected to minimise conflicts and create a harmonious operating environment for oil and gas companies.

Engr. Ogbe emphasised the media’s role in sustaining the local content programme, urging journalists to follow up on policy initiatives and planned interventions to ensure their successful implementation.

He highlighted that this would ultimately benefit local communities and young people, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to community development.

Simple workshop insights

The workshop featured three insightful presentations and two panel discussions. Engr. Bashir Ahmed, Supervisor of the Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate (PCAD), provided an overview of the NCDMB’s operations and the necessity for a local content framework.

He detailed the Presidential Directives issued in March 2024 aimed at reversing the decline in foreign investments in the oil and gas industry.

These directives focus on local content compliance, reducing contracting costs and timelines, and eliminating intermediaries, all of which are crucial for enhancing investment prospects and job creation.

In her presentation, General Manager, Midstream, of NCDMB, Mrs. Tassala Tersugh, explained the importance of performance monitoring and compliance in achieving sustainable local content.

She outlined key parameters such as regulatory framework, capacity building, gap analysis, research and development, funding and incentives, and access to the market.

The final presentation by Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, a former Editor with The Punch and Media Career Coach, highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism.

He discussed how AI tools can enhance content sourcing and production, but emphasised the need for journalists to retain their capacity to think and be ethical in their use of technology.

Moving Forward

The panel discussions, moderated by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, delved into the challenges and opportunities in achieving the 70 percent local content target by 2027.

Key points included the need for market realities, specialization by indigenous oil and gas companies, and collaboration with other industry agencies.

With over 90 media organizations represented at the workshop, the NCDMB is confident that with continued media engagement and rigorous reporting, the milestones and achievements in the local oil and gas industry will become more visible and appreciated by the Nigerian public.

Engr. Ogbe’s call to action for journalists to interrogate us more reflects the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of local content, paving the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Meiza Nigeria