Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Renaissance Africa Energy’s Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, led a distinguished list of recipients at the maiden Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, held at the Nigerian Content Tower on the sidelines of the 2025 Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair, NOGOF.
The high-profile event, organised by SweetCrude Reports in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, celebrated 15 years of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act by recognising outstanding individuals and companies advancing local content across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
Former President Jonathan, who signed the NOGICD Bill into law in 2010, was honoured with the Nigerian Content Icon of the Year Award, marking his first official visit to the NCDMB Tower in Yenagoa.
“Local content development is not just policy—it is a tool for national development. I am proud of how far the oil and gas sector has come since we laid the foundation 15 years ago,” Jonathan said in a brief but impactful remark
Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy and former NLNG boss, received the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-standing contributions to industry localisation.
“I dedicate this award to all oil workers, onshore and offshore, working tirelessly to move Nigeria’s economy forward. For us in Renaissance, it’s a new beginning. Our vision is to lead Africa’s oil and gas, and it’s important that Nigeria takes the lead.”
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd also emerged winner of the International Upstream Operator of the Year, while Aradel Holdings Plc was named Independent Upstream Operator of the Year.
Other major winners include, NLNG – Midstream Operator of the Year; Dangote – Downstream Operator of the Year; Bank of Industry – Financial Services Provider of the Year; Dorman Long Engineering – Indigenous Service Company of the Year; TechnipFMC – International Service Company of the Year; ThisDay Newspaper – Media Organisation of the Year; Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun of Starsz Gas – Women in Leadership Award; and Prof. Emenike Ejiogu (UNN) – Innovator of the Year.
Prof. Ejiogu, a renewable energy researcher who spent 25 years in Japan before returning to Nigeria, praised NCDMB for its support.
“This award shows we can innovate at home. I came back to contribute, and NCDMB has been a worthy partner,” he said.
In his welcome address, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, said the awards reflected the diversity and excellence across the oil and gas value chain.
“This event is more than just announcing winners, it is about showcasing innovation and rewarding commitment to Nigerian content. It is fitting that this inaugural edition coincides with the 15th anniversary of the NOGICD Act and takes place during NOGOF.”
Mr. Hector Igbikiowubo, Editor-in-Chief of SweetCrude Reports, praised the Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Ernest Nwapa, and supported by Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, and Mr. Wole Akinyosoye for laying the groundwork for the success of the inaugural Nigerian Content Awards ceremony, while paying glowing tribute to Mr. Simbi Wabote for his support.
“Tonight, we have witnessed the brilliance, innovation, and commitment that define true champions of Nigerian content. Let this inspire greater milestones in years ahead,” Igbikiowubo said.
The awards which featured 12 categories, drew players from across upstream, midstream, downstream, financial services, media, and academia, underscoring the expanding influence and importance of local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
