Mkpoikana Udoma
Abuja — The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Monday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency through deepened local content implementation, unveiling a series of bold policy and programmatic interventions anchored on the recently launched “Nigeria First Policy.”
Speaking at the Nigerian Content Seminar during the 24th edition of the NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, Ogbe described local content as more than a statutory requirement but “a strategic imperative” to build national resilience, attract investment, and drive inclusive economic growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
At the heart of the renewed push is the Nigeria First Policy, which Ogbe said embodies the administration’s economic sovereignty agenda.
“This year’s theme, Achieving Energy Sufficiency through Local Content, is timely and relevant as we strive to attract more investments into the Nigerian oil and gas industry. For Nigeria, energy sufficiency goes beyond availability; it extends to resilience, sovereignty, and sustainability, all of which are anchored in strong domestic capabilities.”
“The Nigeria First Policy is rooted in a simple but powerful principle, that all goods or services produced and/or available locally will not be procured from foreign sources unless there is a clear and justifiable reason,” he declared.
Quoting Section 3(1) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD Act, Ogbe emphasized that Nigerian goods and services must be given first consideration, provided they meet industry standards.
He noted that the policy aligns with the Eight Presidential Focus Areas announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, particularly on economic empowerment and job creation.
To institutionalize the new policy, Ogbe disclosed that NCDMB is already developing a dedicated Nigeria First Procurement Policy, incorporating the directive into its review and approval processes for Nigerian Content Plans and Compliance Certifications.
“We will also commission a baseline study to verify the capacity of Nigerian service providers and identify local manufacturers of consumables in the oil and gas industry,” he added.
Ogbe also highlighted the Board’s Back-To-The-Creek Programme, a key pillar of its human capital development strategy, targeting youth empowerment in underserved oil-producing communities.
“The programme aligns with the President’s eight-point agenda. It focuses on vocational training, ICT and STEM education for students and youths in the creeks, and upgrading schools to retain qualified teachers with stipends,” he explained. “It reinforces the technical capability development pillar of our 10-Year Strategic Roadmap.”
Describing the initiative as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s industrial future, Ogbe added: “The Nigeria First Policy is not just a procurement adjustment. It is about restoring dignity to Nigerian enterprises, unlocking local capacities, and building an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.”
In his closing remarks, the NCDMB boss urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and exhibitions lined up throughout the NOG Energy Week.
“Let us network and build connections that strengthen the partnerships in the industry and deliver value. The intentional development of local capacity is a direct precursor to energy sufficiency in Nigeria and the African continent at large.”
The Nigerian Content Seminar remains a flagship component of the NOG Energy Week, providing a strategic platform for stakeholders to review policies and progress in deepening indigenous participation across the oil and gas value chain.
