NCDMB Trains Media Stakeholders to Deepen Understanding of Nigeria’s Local Content Drive”

NCDMB Trains Media Stakeholders to Deepen Understanding of Nigeria’s Local Content Drive

Emmanuel Oduara 

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) convened the workshop as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners by deepening their knowledge of the Board’s mandate, milestones and ongoing initiatives. 

The engagement was designed to equip journalists with the right tools and insights needed to report accurately and insightfully on local content policies and developments within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while reinforcing the media’s strategic role in driving awareness and accountability.

Key Messages and Presentations,

Local Content Growth and Outlook

During the sessions, NCDMB restated its commitment to attaining 70 per cent local content by 2027.

 Participants were informed that local participation in the sector had grown significantly to about 61 per cent as of October 2025, representing a marked improvement from the roughly 42 per cent recorded in earlier years.

Clarifying the Local Content Mandate

The Board clarified that local content goes beyond mere indigenisation, stressing that it focuses on domesticating industry activities in line with global best practices. 

NCDMB also highlighted its enforcement role under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, noting that it monitors compliance with over 300 defined local content requirements, alongside continuous capacity-building programmes.

Industry Impact and Success Stories

Presentations showcased practical achievements of the local content policy, including the NLNG Train-7 project, which saw extensive participation of Nigerian vendors and significant in-country fabrication of critical components such as pressure vessels and safety equipment. 

The Board further underscored the impact of its intervention funds, which have enabled numerous indigenous companies to access financing, expand capacity, acquire assets and successfully deliver industry contracts.

Funding and Support Mechanisms

The workshop also examined various funding initiatives introduced by NCDMB, including the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, the Working Capital Fund and the Women in Oil and Gas Fund, describing them as vital instruments for strengthening indigenous participation and accelerating industrial development.

Role of the Media

Media stakeholders were encouraged to play a proactive role by:

Reporting local content issues accurately and within proper context to close the information gap between policy makers and the public.

Raising public awareness about the economic value of local content in driving national development, industrial growth, employment and transparency.

Using informed journalism to promote compliance, accountability and a clearer understanding of the oil and gas sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

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