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Ekpo restates NCDMB’s programs that strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector
Sopuruchi Onwuka
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, has pledged full support for initiatives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), saying they push Nigeria toward a resilient, inclusive, and competitive energy industry.
Speaking at the 14th Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, the minister said stronger investment flows, deeper local content, and higher energy production will depend on the NCDMB’s coordination and strategic focus.
He praised the board, led by Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe, for expanding capacity, boosting local participation, and driving industrial integration.
Ekpo said the conference theme, “Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content, and Scaling Energy Production”, reflects national priorities that demand stable policies, transparent processes, and market-driven incentives.
He stated that the ministry will continue to work with NCDMB, NUPRC, NMDPRA, NNPC, and industry partners to clear bottlenecks, cut transaction timelines, and create a climate that attracts long-term capital.
Fixing the petroleum industry, he added, requires unity of purpose among government, operators, academia, and host communities.
Ekpo highlighted ongoing government programmes aimed at expanding gas infrastructure, increasing domestic utilisation, securing supply, promoting industrial growth through gas, and supporting cleaner energy systems.
He restated that gas remains Nigeria’s transition fuel and a key part of Africa’s move toward lower carbon energy.
The minister said local content has moved from policy to national imperative and called for continued capacity growth in fabrication, engineering, technology services, manufacturing, and research.
He noted that NCDMB’s industrial parks, human capacity development efforts, and support for local manufacturing are building a stronger supply chain that keeps value within the economy.
As Nigeria expands its energy mix, he said local companies must sit at the centre of emerging value chains.
