By Ese Ufuoma
The 13th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2024 concluded with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) reaffirming its commitment to fostering deeper collaborations with communities and industry players. Held over four days at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, the forum focused on advancing Nigerian content policies, addressing key challenges, and identifying pathways to strengthen local participation in the oil and gas sector.
At the closing ceremony, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of industry stakeholders, vendors, and NCDMB staff whose participation enriched the discussions. “Your active involvement has paved the way for new strategies as we explore the next frontiers for Nigerian content implementation,” he noted.
Expanding Community Engagement through Key Initiatives
A significant highlight of the forum was the introduction of several initiatives aimed at integrating local communities into the oil and gas value chain. One such initiative is the Back-to-the-Creeks Policy, which seeks to empower youths by improving basic educational facilities and providing support to teachers. This initiative underscores the commitment to equip local youths with the necessary skills to meet industry demands.
Additionally, the Revised Nigerian Content Community Contractors Financing Scheme was spotlighted. The scheme has now increased its single obligor limit from N20 million to N100 million, giving local contractors access to higher funding to execute significant oil and gas projects. Engr. Ogbe emphasised that this move would ensure that the benefits of local content are extended to host communities.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Content Academy was introduced as a capacity-building platform. Engr. Ogbe highlighted that the academy leverages NCDMB’s years of experience and expertise to train participants in Nigerian content practices. This development aims to enhance workforce capacity and industry participation, creating opportunities for skilled workers in the energy sector.
Key Discussions on Policy, Economic Integration, and Workforce Development
The PNC 2024 Forum also featured insightful panel discussions addressing critical industry topics. A major session focused on Nigerian Content Beyond Borders, exploring barriers to cross-border value chains and strategies for Nigeria’s standardisation efforts in international markets. Another session delved into Community Capacity Development, examining the socio-economic impacts of local content policies on host communities and the role of shared asset responsibility.
On the economic front, discussions such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) were addressed by Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Policy Expert at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office. He highlighted how the eight AfCFTA Protocols could catalyze economic growth, industrialisation, and prosperity through improved trade among African nations.
Another strategic presentation was the Marine Accelerator Programme (MAP). Sponsored by the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) in collaboration with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services, MAP has addressed persistent challenges in the marine services sector by improving training and safety standards. The programme’s next wave is anticipated to roll out in the first quarter of 2025 following the pilot programme’s success.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Pathways
The Youth Empowerment Pathway session presented a forward-looking vision of workforce development. Mr. Tunji Idowu, Executive Director of PIND, emphasised strategies for tackling workforce gaps, fostering government engagement, and expanding opportunities for youth in the oil and gas sector.
Final Tour and Reflections
The PNC 2024 concluded with a site visit to the First Marine and Engineering Services Limited (FMES) shore base facility in Yenagoa, offering industry leaders an on-ground perspective of operational advancements in the sector.
NCDMB’s General Manager for Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile represented Engr. Ogbe at the event’s closing, emphasised that partnerships such as those with the Bank of Industry and other stakeholders would support local contractors’ access to funding and optimal performance levels.
As the oil and gas sector continues to evolve, the practical outcomes of PNC 2024 serve as a foundation for strategic industry growth, collaboration, and the continued strengthening of Nigerian content across local and global markets.