The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is urging African nations to focus on building local innovation and capacity as a means of achieving long-term growth in the energy sector.
This message was communicated by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, during his keynote speech at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) held in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, the Board’s Director of Corporate Services, Ogbe spoke on the summit's theme, "Local Content Beyond Compliance: Building African Industrial Powerhouses." He highlighted that Africa's industrial future hinges on three essential elements: skill, capacity usage, and collaborative efforts.
Ogbe asserted that the continent must establish a strategic and domestic supply chain that ensures service excellence while adhering to global standards.
He stated, “The NCDMB’s goal has been to develop regulations, systems, and processes that facilitate indigenous technologies, bolster domestic manufacturing, promote research and innovation, and establish a robust, globally competitive supply chain.”
Ogbe referenced local cable manufacturers who supplied nearly two million meters of cables for the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project. He noted that these companies now possess the ability to export high-quality cables to other African nations such as Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Algeria.
He disclosed that through the Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, over 10,000 Nigerian youths are currently acquiring essential skills in high- demand areas including geosciences, subsea engineering, quality assurance/control, marine operations, automation, underwater welding, and drilling engineering.
He further mentioned that the establishment of the African Energy Bank is now a reality, with its office allocated to the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO). This initiative is expected to significantly enhance access to affordable project financing for energy companies across Africa.
Ogbe praised the Executive Orders on local content as well as the "Nigeria First" policy initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aim to enhance local capacity, draw investment in gas and deepwater projects, and expedite contract executions.
He indicated that NCDMB has updated its guidelines to shorten contracting periods, eliminate unnecessary intermediaries, and optimize value retention within the country.
“For Africa to transform into an industrial powerhouse, we must prioritize talent development, engage in research and development, advance manufacturing capabilities, and enhance cross-border trade,” he remarked, emphasizing that the continent should progress from local engagement to achieving local expertise.
Additionally, Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), commended President Tinubu’s dedication to economic reforms, energy security, and industrial advancement as fundamental aspects of Nigeria’s gas- led development plan.
Ekpo underscored that natural gas is pivotal for Africa’s energy security, industrial growth, and economic stability, noting that gas provides an immediate and inclusive avenue towards diversification, job opportunities, and shared wealth.
He pointed out that although there has been a rise in participation through local content implementation, it has yet to foster global competitiveness or develop large-scale technological capabilities.
“Performance-driven local content necessitates a new compact,” stated Ekpo. “The government must establish stable policies, industry operators need to integrate local capacity into project designs, financial institutions should de-risk homegrown projects, and educational institutions must sync skills with contemporary industry requirements.”
He cautioned that the resolutions made at the summit would determine whether Africa continues to be a mere provider of raw energy resources or advances to become a global leader in gas-driven industrial advancement.
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