The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has advocated for an African-wide local content framework to harmonise policies and foster cross-border partnership for mutual prosperity in the continent.
Ogbe spoke on “Unlocking Africa’s Potential through Local Content: Policies, Partnerships, and Progress.”
He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented an opportunity to position local content as a driver of continental industrialisation.
“NCDMB remains committed to working with our African counterparts to share best practices, co-develop industrial hubs, and create synergies that benefit the wider energy landscape.
He said that some of the government policies had helped to shape the landscape and enabled pivotal public private partnerships.
“Local Content is not just a policy – it is a strategy for sustainable economic growth.
“At NCDMB, through strategic initiatives, we have become a model for the continent. We have demonstrated how capacity building, policy refinement, and joint partnerships can create a thriving, self-sustaining oil and gas ecosystem,” he said.
Ogbe said the board prioritised developing indigenous skills, assets and equipment ownership, and local manufacturing capabilities.
He said one of its flagship initiatives to support the above priorities was the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), which provided affordable financing to support indigenous businesses in acquiring assets, expanding operations, and delivering world-class services.
He said the board’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) programmes had also continued to train thousands of Nigerians in specialised skills that aligned with industry needs.
These efforts, he said ensured that Nigeria’s energy sector was not only driven by local talent but also sustained by indigenous expertise.
He said board had developed the Project 100 Initiative, targeting capacity development for indigenous service companies with the aim to grow them to become multinational firms in the future.
“The Board provides opportunities by linking Project 100 companies to major operators. We also have business-to-business and market opportunities for these companies across the sub region.
