NCDMB Not Limited to Niger Deltans, Management States

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says it’s focused on all Nigerians, not just those in the Niger Delta.

The Board wants young people and local leaders to manage their expectations since it’s not just for providing special aid to that region.

Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, who manages Corporate Communications at NCDMB, clarified this at a meeting with the media, youths, and local leaders in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

He explained that the NCDMB is a national agency designed to boost local expertise and ensure Nigerian content is a big part of the oil and gas industry and related areas. “It is not an interventionist agency for the Niger Delta,” Ezeobi stated.

He advised that demands unrelated to content should be directed to other federal agencies better suited for those concerns. The NCDMB remains focused on making sure Nigerians take part in roles like staffing and procurement across the oil and gas supply chain.

Setting the Record Straight

Ezeobi appealed to the media to prevent the spread of misinformation and to emphasize the right topics for the oil and gas industry.

He mentioned the presence of unreliable stories recently, saying, “We ask you, as gatekeepers, to filter out inaccuracies and focus attention on how to grow Nigerian content from the current 56% to the targeted 70%.”

Mr Ezeobi stressed that media narratives should focus on job creation and the benefits of local content policies, instead of causing distractions.

He advised the media to help set agendas that promote deeper local content and industry growth.

Mr. Bufazi Tareowei, Deputy Manager of Capacity Building, encouraged young Nigerians to utilize the Board’s initiatives available through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) for education and job opportunities.

He assured that the NCDMB is committed to working with youths, media, and other stakeholders for inclusive long-term growth.

Achievements and Future Plans

Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services at the Board, shared how the NCDMB has transformed business practices in the petroleum sector since the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in 2010. Since then, fabrication, manpower services, and partial integration of FPSOs have grown in Nigeria.

He mentioned that there are now over 100 homegrown companies with exploration, production, and construction skills, and around 15,000 Nigerians have learned vital skills like welding and design engineering.

Halilu added, “The Board has lived up to expectations in its core mandate of developing local capacities and capabilities without compromising standards.”

He pointed out that with a fund managed alongside NEXIM Bank, over $350 million has supported local firms, and six Centres of Excellence now provide specialized training in gas, engineering, and safety.

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