The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has taken a significant step forward in fostering innovation within the oil and gas sector with the inauguration of a new Nigerian Content Research and Development Council (NCRDC) setup. This move is set to open up more room for innovative minds, creating an ecosystem that not only contributes to the industry’s growth but also recognises and values the work of its researchers.

The NCRDC’s establishment marks a pivotal moment in the Board’s ongoing efforts to drive positive developments with the country’s local content ambition. The council is composed of a diverse group of members, including representatives from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Petroleum Contractors Trade Section (PCTS), National Universities Commission (NUC), and National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), among others.

At the helm of the NCRDC is the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola, who serves as Chairman. He is joined by Mr. Isaac Yalah, the Director of Research and Development at NCDMB, and Mr. Silas Ajimajaye, the General Manager of Research and Development at NCDMB, who will act simultaneously as the Alternate Chairman and Secretary.

The council’s inauguration took place during its 3rd Quarter meeting in Lagos State, following the departure of some former members from the NCDMB’s management. The NCRDC’s mandate is clear: to advise the NCDMB on prioritising market-driven research projects, attract funding for these initiatives, and oversee the impact of research grants on product development and innovation.

ALSO READ: How the NCDMB will help commercialise every useful research with inaugural SciBiz conference 24days from now

Engr. Omatsola, speaking at the event, reaffirmed the NCDMB’s commitment to stimulating indigenous research and development (R&D) ideas that will propel the oil and gas industry forward. He emphasised that R&D is a critical component of the Nigerian Content 10-year strategic roadmap, which aims to grow local content within the industry.

The success stories cited by Engr. Omatsola, such as the Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detection Device and the Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Facility at Idu, Abuja, serve as a testament to the NCDMB’s trail of contributions to this space. These achievements highlight the potential for homegrown innovation to make significant impacts within the sector.

With the new council in place, Engr. Omatsola has charged its members to intensify their efforts in yielding outputs that benefit Nigeria. He has pledged that the council will review its policies and develop a framework to accelerate the development of technology in the oil and gas industry.

The inauguration of the NCRDC is a clear indication of the NCDMB’s dedication to advancing local content and fostering an environment where research and innovation can thrive. It is an invitation to the nation’s brightest minds to contribute their expertise and ingenuity to an industry that is not only a cornerstone of the Nigerian economy but also a field ripe for technological advancement and transformation.

As the new NCRDC begins its work, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for the fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas that will emerge from those involved. The council’s efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for a new era of innovation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, one that promises to harness the full potential of the nation’s intellectual capital for sustainable development and economic growth.

The NCDMB’s latest milestone is more than just a step towards innovation; it is a leap into a future where the oil and gas sector is powered by the creativity and knowledge of Nigeria’s researchers, birthing what other countries may want to adopt as a template.

ALSO READ: NCDMB and Ghana’s upstream petroleum regulator take new steps to help each other build 3 years non-stop

Meiza Nigeria