The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently hosted senior military officers from the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, at its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The officers were in the state for a local study tour.
During an interactive session at the Nigerian Content Tower, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, outlined Nigeria’s oil and gas industry’s progress under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010. Represented by Dr. Ama Ikuru, Director of Corporate Services and Capacity Building, he noted that before the Act, Nigeria experienced significant capital flight of about $380 billion, job losses of two million, and local content participation of less than five percent. However, since the implementation of the NOGICD Act, local content has increased to 56% by the end of 2023, with a target of 70% by 2027.
Ogbe emphasized that NCDMB is committed to ensuring that equipment, tools, and services required in the oil and gas industry are produced locally. He also highlighted the Board’s investment in research and development, including establishing centers of excellence in six universities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Dr. Ikuru acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s efforts in research, development, and local content implementation, particularly in human capital development and manufacturing military components. He led the visiting officers through various NCDMB facilities, including the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC), which supports innovation and technology adaptation.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, pointed out the longstanding partnership between the NCDMB and the Nigerian Army, citing the involvement of NCDMB personnel as resource persons at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He emphasized the mutual benefits of this collaboration.
General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, described the visit as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing. He encouraged the military officers to spread awareness about the NCDMB’s achievements.
The team leader, retired Major General Abubakar A. Tarfa, explained that the study tour was part of an 11-month Leadership and Strategic Course 3/2024, designed to prepare officers for higher responsibilities. He emphasized the link between leadership, strategy, and national security, as well as the military’s role in supporting oil production in the Niger Delta.
On behalf of the participants, Lieutenant Colonel Juliet Aziekwu expressed gratitude for the session, stating that they had gained a deeper understanding of the NCDMB’s role and would apply the knowledge in their respective fields.
The event also featured remarks from the Commander of the 16th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, Brigadier General Oluremi Obolo, and Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, Deputy Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, who noted the shared focus on capacity building between the military and NCDMB.
