* Bayelsa to host opportunity fair in May

Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has declared is intention to dismantle all entry barriers for local enterprises seeking opportunities in the nation’s petroleum industry.

The agency which promotes participation of local players and utilization of Nigerian goods and services in the oil and gas industry stated that it would unveil available opportunities for local businesses in this year’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) .

The Oracle Today reports that the 5th edition of NOGOF is scheduled to hold from May 21 to 22, 2025, in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja in a press briefing to herald the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, said the event would provide business information opportunities for service providers in the industry to position for businesses in upcoming projects in the industry.

He noted that the fair would also provide opportunities for operating companies to showcase their upcoming projects in realizing the current industry mandate to increase gas and crude oil production, boost revenue, and meet domestic supply obligations.

NOGOF is Nigeria’s leading oil and gas event, bringing together key players to explore opportunities, innovations, and collaborations.

The theme for this year’s edition is focused on ‘Driving Investment and Production Growth: Shaping a sustainable Oil and Gas Industry through Indigenous Capacity Development.’

“This year, we’re expanding our reach across Africa and incorporating linkage industries to create even greater impact,” Engr Ogbe said.

Ogbe disclosed that event would also host the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, which will celebrate individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the development of Nigerian Content.

He further explained that previous editions of NOGOF have been successful, with over 100 opportunities presented by companies in the sector and over 1,500 attendees, including VIPs, at the 2023 edition.

In addition to showcasing opportunities, the Executive Secretary said, NOGOF 2025 will also provide a platform for business-to-business partnerships between Nigerian oil and gas service companies and their peers in other African countries.

He added that the event is expected to attract delegates, partners, and governmental bodies from across Africa, and will feature a Compendium of Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry 2025, which will be made available to all delegates.

On her part, Funmi Ogbue , Chief Executive Officer of Jake Riley Limited, emphasized the significance of this year’s NOGOF theme. According to her, the theme underscores the commitment to harnessing local expertise, unlocking new opportunities, and driving sustainable progress in the sector.

Ogbue expressed confidence that the 2025 edition of NOGOF will showcase an expanded array of investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and propel the industry forward. The Compendium of Nigerian Content Opportunities, which will be launched at the event, will serve as a crucial tool for investors and stakeholders, ensuring that local content development remains a top priority.

One of the highlights of NOGOF 2025 is the introduction of the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, which will acknowledge individuals and companies for their remarkable achievements and commitments to Nigerian Content development, she said.

The award categories include “Nigerian Content Upstream of the Year,” “Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year,” and “Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year.”

She also highlighted the participation of key African nations such as Ghana, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, which will deepen regional collaboration and create cross-border business opportunities within Africa’s oil and gas value chain.

According to her, the event is scheduled to take place from May 20-22, 2025, in Bayelsa State. Ogbe invited all stakeholders to engage with the organizers, explore opportunities for collaboration, and spread the word about the transformative potential of NOGOF.

Ogbue emphasized that the success of the event depends on the collective efforts of every stakeholder in the industry. He extended his gratitude to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the NOGOF planning committee, industry partners, the media, and all supporters who work tirelessly to make NOGOF a success.

“We are confident that the 2025 edition of NOGOF will not only showcase an expanded array of investment opportunities but also strengthen partnerships that will propel the industry forward. The Compendium of Nigerian Content Opportunities will also serve as a crucial tool for investors and stakeholders, ensuring that local content development remains a top priority. With the introduction of the Champions of Nigerian Content Awards at this edition of NOGOF, companies are automatically qualified to enrol for the awards”

“We have listed amongst others, categories such as “Nigerian Content Upstream of the Year”, “Nigerian Content Midstream Operator of the Year”, “Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year”. We look forward to acknowledging individuals and companies for the remarkable achievements, commitments and innovation they have made towards the development of Nigerian Content within the oil and gas industry at NOGOF 2025.

Furthermore, “we are excited about the participation of key African nations such as Ghana, Uganda and Sierra Leone, as this will deepen regional collaboration and create cross-border business opportunities within Africa’s oil and gas value chain.

“As we look ahead to May 20-22, 2025, we invite all our distinguished stakeholders to continue engaging with us, exploring opportunities for collaboration and spreading the word about the transformative potential of NOGOF. The success of this event will depend on the collective efforts of every stakeholder in the industry.

Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to NCDMB, the NOGOF planning committee, industry partners, the media and all our supporters who work tirelessly to make NOGOF a success.
I look forward to seeing you all in Bayelsa at NOGOF 2025”,she said.

With the 2025 edition of NOGOF just around the corner, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the opportunities and collaborations that the event will bring. As Ogbue noted, “I look forward to seeing you all in Bayelsa at NOGOF 2025!”

NOGOF 2025 is organized by NCDMB in partnership with Jake Riley Limited, an international consulting firm focused on transforming and supporting growth in the Nigerian public sector.