Local Content in Oil Sector Surges to 61% as NCDMB Fetes Retired Staff

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) recently paid tribute to 14 of its former employees, acknowledging their significant contributions to advancing local content within Nigeria's oil and gas sector. A celebratory dinner was held on Sunday at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to honour these retirees.

The event also served as a platform for past management officials of the board to reflect on the initial hurdles faced during the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010, and the remarkable progress achieved since its enactment.

Mohammed Umar, a former Director of Legal Services, spoke at the gathering, revealing that the Act's introduction was initially met with considerable resistance from major players in the oil and gas industry. He explained that the board had to employ strategic engagement and diplomacy to persuade industry operators about the advantages of adhering to the local content legislation. "Local content was new in the oil and gas sector. Companies were hardly cooperative, and tact was required to create understanding and compliance with the provisions of the Act," Umar stated. He highlighted the substantial growth of local content, which escalated from approximately five per cent in 2010 to an impressive 61 per cent, terming it a significant accomplishment. Umar added, "Local content has come to stay. Many other African countries now come to Nigeria to learn the secret of the country’s success," and encouraged current NCDMB staff to maintain their dedication to sustain this progress.

Daziba Obah, another retiree who served as the pioneer Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and later as Acting Executive Secretary, recounted the difficulties encountered during the construction of the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower. Obah also touched on the early challenges of securing funding for research and development projects, noting that the board ultimately showcased its capability by successfully organizing its inaugural Research and Development Fair and Conference in Lagos in 2017.

Similarly, Isaac Yalah, a former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, praised NCDMB as an institution that equips its personnel with essential tools and training for excellence. He specifically mentioned the $350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, describing it as a "game changer" for increasing indigenous companies' participation in the oil and gas industry. Yalah elaborated that numerous Nigerian service companies accessed this fund at single-digit interest rates to acquire assets and expand their operations. He urged serving staff to continue their professional development and remain focused on elevating the board to new heights.

Dr. Ginah Ginah, former General Manager for Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, described his tenure at NCDMB as "very exciting times." Ginah highlighted the board's training programmes as crucial for staff development and its establishment of Information and Communication Technology centres for fostering digital literacy among young people in oil-producing regions.

Representing the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Esueme Kikile, explained that the event was organized to honour individuals who dedicated a significant part of their professional lives to the board's service. Kikile emphasized that the retirees' contributions went beyond their official duties, extending to mentoring colleagues, sharing knowledge, and building institutional relationships. He said, "Their contributions extended beyond the duties associated with their respective positions, as they shared knowledge, built relationships, mentored colleagues and contributed to the institutional experience that continues to shape the Board today." On behalf of NCDMB management and staff, Kikile extended wishes of good health, peace, happiness, and fulfilment to the retirees.

The ceremony also featured testimonials from current staff, including former technical assistants, who had worked closely with the retirees. They spoke about the mentorship, professional guidance, and support they received. The event concluded with a dance session by the retirees and a cultural performance, fostering a relaxed interaction between past and present employees. Other retirees honoured included Dr. Ama Ikuru, Adelana Akintunde, Dr. Obinna Ofili, Angela Okoro, Taridouye Gagariga, Ombu Atonbara, Okpetu Gabriel, and Peter Isu Odo.