Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to full alignment with the mandates of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.

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The pledge followed a two-day retreat held by the Board’s Governing Council and Management in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, aimed at strengthening understanding of statutory roles, corporate governance, and strategies for improved performance.

The retreat, the first since the current Governing Council’s inauguration in early 2024, was attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Co-Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; and other members of the Council.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was on an international assignment, was represented by the Director of Capacity Building, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele.

In his opening address, Senator Lokpobiri commended members of the Council and Management for their commitment, explaining that the retreat was designed to ensure that the NCDMB continues to function effectively as the implementer of the Act. He stressed the importance of adherence to legal and governance frameworks, urging Council members and Management to work strictly within their mandates to foster trust and accountability.

Lokpobiri noted that the NCDMB has evolved into a major business enabler in the oil and gas industry, creating opportunities for indigenous companies to grow and contribute to national development. He encouraged the Management to be proactive in sharing information on its operations and challenges, saying open communication would enhance the Board’s overall effectiveness.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Bamidele described the retreat as an opportunity for strategic bonding and renewed alignment with the provisions of the NOGICD Act. He said the functions of the Governing Council—providing policy direction, approving strategic plans, and ensuring effective implementation of local content policies—are clearly outlined in Section 75 of the Act.

He also highlighted major achievements of the Board, including the establishment of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), implementation of the 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2017–2027), and the steady increase in local content performance from 5 percent in 2010 to 56 percent in 2024.

The retreat featured paper presentations by experts and industry leaders on governance, accountability, and performance optimization.

Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, in her presentation on “Corporate Governance, Accountability and Efficiency,” emphasized the importance of Council members understanding their oversight roles while allowing Management to carry out its administrative responsibilities in line with the Act. Other presenters included Engr.

Abayomi Bamidele, who gave an overview of the Board’s structure and operations; Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, who discussed the implications of new tax laws for the NCDMB; and Professor Nkem Iheanachor of the Lagos Business School, who spoke on strategies for optimizing performance and deepening local content.

As part of the retreat, the Governing Council and Management paid a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at Government House, Uyo. Senator Lokpobiri, speaking on behalf of the delegation, thanked the Governor for his hospitality and acknowledged the state’s record of good governance and development.

Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for choosing Akwa Ibom for the retreat and for its interventions in capacity building. He also highlighted the state’s initiatives in developing an oxygen production plant and expanding the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), expressing readiness to collaborate with the Board in those areas.

The retreat ended with a renewed commitment by the Governing Council and Management of NCDMB to work together in upholding the vision and mandates of the NOGICD Act, ensuring that the Board continues to drive Nigerian content development, promote indigenous participation, and strengthen value creation within the nation’s oil and gas industry.