The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has called on African nations to make local content the cornerstone of their energy transformation agenda. According to him, Africa’s vast oil and gas resources can only translate into shared prosperity and sustainable development through deliberate local content policies and effective implementation.
Engr. Ogbe made this assertion on Tuesday during the 4th edition of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) Conference and Exhibition on Local Content in Africa, held in Brazzaville, Congo. The annual event brings together key stakeholders across the continent to advance discussions on local content implementation and energy development strategies.
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at the APPO Statutory Ministerial Council Meeting — where a new Secretary-General of the organisation was elected — Ogbe underscored that Africa’s endowment of over 125 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas can only deliver optimal value through policies that ensure value retention within the continent.
“Local content is not merely a regulatory framework; it is a development strategy,” Ogbe said. “It represents our collective resolve to build indigenous capacity, retain value within our borders, and create sustainable jobs for our young and dynamic population.”
Drawing from Nigeria’s 15-year experience implementing its local content policy, Ogbe described the country’s journey as a “living example” of what deliberate policy action can achieve. He emphasized that local content must be approached pragmatically, with a focus on value creation and industrial linkages that drive inclusive economic growth.
Nigeria’s Model as a Continental Blueprint
Engr. Ogbe reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to sharing Nigeria’s expertise and digital frameworks with other African petroleum-producing countries. He noted that NCDMB’s institutional structures — such as policy design templates, monitoring frameworks, and the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) — can serve as replicable models for strengthening indigenous participation across Africa.
He further proposed the establishment of an African Energy Services Network, which would foster collaboration among member states of APPO. The network, according to him, would serve as a platform for fabrication, engineering, and manufacturing hubs across the continent to complement one another, thereby creating a pan-African industrial ecosystem.
“Such a framework aligns with the strategic vision behind initiatives like the African Energy Bank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), all aimed at promoting intra-African trade, local content, and energy security,” Ogbe explained.
NCDMB’s Infrastructure and Human Capacity Impact
Highlighting Nigeria’s investments in infrastructure, Ogbe referenced the Egina FPSO Integration Yard at LADOL Free Trade Zone, Lagos — the first of its kind in Africa — with a storage capacity of 200,000 barrels of crude oil. He described the facility as a regional hub for FPSO and modular platform integration serving the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
He also mentioned the establishment of Oil and Gas Parks in Bayelsa and Cross River States, which provide spaces for manufacturing companies that produce equipment and components for the industry. These parks, he said, create opportunities for small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive while stimulating local production and innovation.
In the area of human capital development, Ogbe revealed that NCDMB has trained over 20,000 Nigerians in specialized oil and gas skills through its Human Capacity Development (HCD) Programme. This, he noted, could serve as a model for replication across other African energy-producing nations.
He added that the Board’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre has strengthened collaboration between academia, industry players, and start-ups, paving the way for African-led innovations tailored to local challenges.
Africa’s Path to Sustainable Energy Development
Engr. Ogbe lauded the creation of the African Energy Bank, an initiative of APPO and Afreximbank, aimed at providing competitive financing for oil and gas projects within the continent. He assured stakeholders that NCDMB stands ready to provide technical expertise and project linkages to support the Bank’s objectives.
“We must collectively commit to the success of the African Energy Bank to ensure sustainable growth and self-reliance in our energy future,” he urged.
Ogbe further disclosed that Nigerian service companies are seeking joint venture partnerships with African counterparts in engineering, marine, fabrication, and digital energy services. He encouraged cross-border investments in modular refineries, gas processing plants, and local manufacturing to deepen regional cooperation.
Showcasing Nigeria’s Success at APPO 2025
Beyond Ogbe’s keynote address, senior NCDMB officials participated in multiple panel sessions showcasing Nigeria’s local content journey. The sessions drew commendations from delegates eager to adopt the Nigerian model.
A session moderated by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, featured panelists including Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu (Director, Corporate Services), Mr. Mubarak Zubair (General Manager, Finance and Accounts), Mr. Silas Ajimijaye (General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation, Upstream), and Mr. ThankGod Egbe, Managing Director of Cypher Crescent Ltd. Other NCDMB managers, Mr. Adebayo Joseph and Mr. Kamsalem Mohammed, also contributed insights on project management and logistics.
The Nigerian delegation’s contributions reinforced the continent-wide consensus that local content is the most sustainable path to building inclusive energy economies, driving industrial growth, and ensuring Africa’s self-sufficiency in oil and gas development.
NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, urges African nations to make local content the foundation of their energy future, sharing Nigeria’s 15-year success story at the APPO 2025 Conference in Brazzaville.
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