Nigerian Content Rises to 61% as NCDMB Sets Sights on Global Competitiveness

 

By Wakirike Herald 

 

Nigeria’s participation in the oil and gas industry has recorded significant growth, with Nigerian content rising from about five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent, according to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

 

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr Felix Ogbe, disclosed this in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during the 2026 conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC).

 

Ogbe, who was represented at the conference by the board’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, said the next phase of Nigeria’s local content drive must focus on international competitiveness.

 

From local participation to global competition

 

The NCDMB chief said it was no longer sufficient for Nigerian companies to build capacity merely to participate in projects within the country.

 

According to him, Nigerian businesses must develop the skills, technology, financial strength and operational agility required to compete in international markets.

 

“The next frontier is about being competitive,” Ogbe said.

 

He noted that the transition was particularly important as the current 10-year Nigerian Content Plan approaches its conclusion.

 

Ogbe said the objective should now extend beyond producing locally for domestic projects to developing Nigerian companies that can provide services and products across Africa and other global markets.

 

Thousands trained for emerging opportunities

 

The NCDMB executive secretary said the board had trained more than 10,000 Nigerians in critical skills over the past 15 years.

 

He added that another 17,000 Nigerians had registered for training in 10 priority skills considered important to emerging oil and gas projects.

 

The training initiative, he explained, was designed to prepare Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities expected to arise from new investments and Final Investment Decisions in the industry.

 

The figures point to the growing emphasis on human capital as Nigeria seeks to deepen local participation in an industry increasingly shaped by specialised technology and technical expertise.

 

NCDMB backs indigenous companies

 

Beyond training, Ogbe said the NCDMB was supporting indigenous businesses through financing, equipment development, research and development initiatives, as well as strategic partnerships.

 

The board is also promoting local manufacturing of equipment and components in an effort to reduce the industry's dependence on imported materials.

 

Another aspect of the strategy involves connecting Nigerian companies with foreign firms and Original Equipment Manufacturers to strengthen their technical and commercial capabilities.

 

Ogbe said such partnerships could help Nigerian businesses expand beyond the domestic market and establish a stronger presence in other African economies.

 

High costs and funding gaps remain concerns

 

The push for greater local participation, however, comes against persistent challenges confronting indigenous operators.

 

Chairman of NAEC, Mr Ugo Amadi, identified high entry costs, lengthy approval processes and funding constraints as some of the major obstacles limiting indigenous participation in the development of oil and gas assets.

 

He argued that addressing these barriers would create room for greater investment, strengthen local capacity and contribute to increased oil and gas production.

 

The next test for Nigerian content

 

The rise from five per cent Nigerian content in 2010 to 61 per cent represents substantial progress. The bigger question now is whether Nigerian companies can convert that domestic participation into globally competitive businesses.

 

That will depend not only on the availability of local skills, but also on access to affordable financing, technology, infrastructure, efficient regulation and sustainable opportunities within the energy value chain.

 

For Nigeria, the next chapter of local content development may therefore be measured less by how much work Nigerian companies secure at home and more by how many can successfully take their expertise, products and services beyond the country's borders.

 

Wakirike Herald

The Voice of Wakirike People Everywhere