By Silverline Ifeanyi Onyeabor
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced a raft of new initiatives aimed at deepening local participation, unlocking investments and scaling energy production, including a $100 million Equity Investment Scheme for indigenous energy service companies.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix O. Ogbe (FNSE), disclosed this while delivering the opening keynote address at the 14th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2025, held at the Nigerian Content Tower. The forum is themed “Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content and Scaling Energy Production.”
Ogbe described the PNC Forum as the Board’s flagship annual platform for reviewing progress and shaping the future of Nigerian Content implementation in the oil and gas industry.
He reaffirmed that the Board’s mandate, as enshrined in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, remains focused on building the capacity of Nigerian companies and professionals to participate actively across the value chain. He noted that this mandate continues to be driven by the Board’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, structured around five strategic pillars and four enablers.
A major highlight of the address was the announcement of the $100 million Equity Investment Scheme, to be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI). According to Ogbe, the scheme is a new product under the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund and will provide equity financing to high-growth indigenous energy service companies.
“This scheme will support the growth of local players, diversify the income base of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), and further strengthen local content development,” he said.
Ogbe also announced the completion of the framework for issuing the NCDF Compliance Certificate, which will confirm companies’ compliance with the statutory one per cent remittance obligation. The certificate will become effective from 1 January 2026 and will be required for accessing key permits and approvals from the Board.
In line with its grassroots development agenda, the Board expanded access to funding under the Community Contractors Scheme, recording over 94 disbursements in 2025. He further revealed that the Project 100 Companies initiative, launched in 2019, will reach a transition phase with an exit plan to be hosted by April 2026, followed by the onboarding of a new batch of beneficiary companies.
Looking ahead, Ogbe disclosed that the Board will review its seven existing guidelines between Q1 and Q2 2026, while also finalising the legal and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) to enable the commencement of operations at the Odukpani and Emeyal 1 Parks.
On human capital development, the Executive Secretary announced the commencement of the Nigerian Content Academy lecture series, noting that seven lectures on critical industry issues have already been delivered. He also revealed that over 11,000 applications have been received for the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, designed to equip Nigerians with the top 10 high-demand industry skills.
Ogbe provided updates on major projects currently under NCDMB monitoring, including Bonga North Tranche 1, Renaissance EPU Phase 3, TotalEnergies Ubeta Gas Development, the AKK and OB3 gas pipelines, NLNG Train 7, and other critical infrastructure projects.
He also highlighted progress on the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, confirming that construction commenced following contract execution with Julius Berger and OMRC Limited in December 2024, with site mobilisation achieved in July 2025. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months.
To curb sharp practices, Ogbe said the Board has adopted stricter measures to prevent middlemen from obtaining Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates (NCECs) and other certifications. Consequently, from 1 January 2026, NCECs and other NCDMB certificates will no longer be transferable, ensuring only qualified entities participate in tender processes.
He further announced plans to host an R&D Fair in Q2 2026 and launch the NCDMB Technology Challenge in Q1 2026, alongside continued implementation of the Back-to-Creek initiative, which targets improved STEM education in rural Niger Delta communities.
Ogbe concluded by announcing a major milestone: Nigerian Content levels in projects monitored by the Board have risen from 56 per cent to 61 per cent.
“This year’s PNC introduces a new town hall meeting between NCDMB and industry stakeholders to promote open dialogue and feedback,” he said, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunities ahead.
“The work before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. Nigerian Content remains central to national development and industrialisation,” Ogbe added.
