By Saidu Abubakar
Effective 1st January 2026, Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC) and other certificates are no longer transferable. This ensures that entities without NCECs are not admitted into the tendering process, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omastola-Ogbe has said while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 14th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum in Yenagoa.
He further said that “as part of our look ahead, we will hold our R and D Fair in Q2 of 2026. In addition we are about to launch our NCDMB Technology Challenge in Q1 of 2026.
“On HCD, we rolled out the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Program for Top 10 skills in high demand to enhance job placements for the trainees upon completion of the program. So far, we have received over 11,000 applications for the Field Readiness program.”
The NCDMB boss who expressed delight in welcoming participants to the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content Forum with the theme, Uniting Industry Stakeholders to Advance Nigerian Content Implementation, stated that “as you all know, the annual PNC is our flagship event where we take stock of Nigerian Content journey. We also use the event to strategize and shape the future of our industry.
“Our enabling law, the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, charges the Board with the mandate to build the capacity of Nigerian companies and individuals so that they can participate actively in the oil and gas industry.
“To drive this mandate, the Board launched the 10-Year Strategic Roadmap which is built on 5 Strategic pillars and supported by 4 Enablers. This document continues to be our roadmap.
“My speech today will be very short. I will provide brief highlights of our key programmes. I will also unveil new initiatives that will guide our operations in the coming years.
He also emphasized that as part of NCDMB’s efforts to provide affordable finance for local players in the industry, “we have concluded arrangements to establish the $100 million Equity Investment Scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry. This is a new product in our Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.
The finance scheme will provide equity financing to high-growth indigenous energy service companies while diversifying our NCDF’s income base and strengthening local content development, he added.
The Board has completed the framework for the issuance of the NCDF Compliance Certificate. This instrument will confirm companies’ compliance to the 1% remittance obligations. The certificate will become effective 1st January 2026 and will be required to get key permits and approvals from the Board.
“In addition, as indicated in my PNC speech last year, the Board has expanded access to community contractors under the Community Contractors Scheme, achieving over 94 disbursements in 2025.
In 2019, the Board launched the Project 100 companies. I am happy to announce that following the successful implementation of approved interventions, we will host an exit plan by April 2026 and onboard a new set of Project 100 companies.
Between Q1 and Q2 2026, the Board will undertake a review of our seven current guidelines. We will also finalize the legal and fiscal framework for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) to usher in the commencement of operations at Odukpani and Emeyal 1 Parks.
During my PNC address last year, I commented on one of our new initiatives, the Nigerian Content Academy. This year, I am happy to announce the Commencement of the Nigerian content Academy lecture series under the Academy. So far, we have held seven lectures on key industry issues.
The construction of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre has taken off with the execution of a Contract between Julius Berger and OMRC Limited in December 2024. Mobilization to site was achieved in July 2025. The Project is proposed to be delivered in 30 months.
In line with the Presidential Directive on Local Content Requirements, the Board has adopted measures to prevent middle men from obtaining NCECs and other certifications. This has led to reduction in multiple applications from dubious service companies.
On the Board’s Monitoring activities, the ES said that some key projects being monitored are SNEPCo Bonga North Tranche 1, Renaissance EPU Phase 3 Development, Totalenergies Ubeta Gas Development, NNPC AKK pipeline, OB3 Gas Pipeline, ELPS Phase 3, Odidi-Warri Expansion, and NLNG Train 7.
On the Back-to-Creek initiative, we aim to enhance STEM education in rural Niger Delta communities. We are working closely with the Niger Delta governments on this project. We have started a pilot STEM scheme that renovates primary schools and equips central secondary hubs with modern science, technology, mathematics and ICT facilities.
A Team has completed feasibility studies and site assessments across selected schools and submitted their reports. Our interventions to enhance educational quality must continue.
At this point, I am happy to announce that Nigerian Content levels in the projects monitored by the Board has increased from 56% to 61%.
Distinguished guests, these are the highlights of our activities in the last one year. Our senior officials will provide further details during the panel sessions.
This year’s PNC introduces a new initiative, a Townhall meeting between NCDMB and the industry. The session, which holds on Wednesday, will provide an open forum for conversations and feedback on Nigerian Content issues
I must state that the work before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. Let us move forward with renewed purpose, and the firm belief that Nigerian Content is key to national development and industrialization.
“Once again, I welcome you to the Nigerian Content Tower and I look forward to a successful and impac.
