By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, has declared that the 2021 edition of the biennial Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) “promises to be different and spectacular”.
Wabote, who made the declaration in Lagos, during a press conference ahead of the two-day event, said that the organisers are looking forward welcoming more delegates than they had in the last two editions.
“The maiden edition of NOGOF had over 1,200 delegates, 33 exhibitors. We hope to record even more delegates at this edition.
“This edition promises to be different, and at the same time spectacular. Different in the sense that, it will be our first virtual edition; spectacular because we expect to have quality speakers and discussants at the event.
“This will be the 3rd edition of NOGOF. The 1st and 2nd editions were hosted in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states, respectively. This will be the 1st virtual edition.
“To all stakeholders, we will be counting on your teaming support and cooperation to ensure that this edition of NOGOF becomes a great success,” he urged.
Valuechain reports that the third edition is scheduled to take place on May 25 and 26.
The theme of the fair is: Leveraging Opportunities and Synergies for Post Pandemic Recovery of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.
Wabote spoke of the theme’s importance and what the fair holds for participants.
“We believe this theme is important as it acknowledges the industry wide disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic, and it encourages constructive discussions on recovery and the way forward.
“The fair’s agenda include: technical and opportunity sessions from various
stakeholders, a virtual tour that will enable networking opportunities to delegates. There will also be the NOGOF award ceremony, in recognition of distinguished industry players by the NCDMB.
“Furthermore, there will be virtual exhibition opportunities for registered organisations to present their activities and products to delegates,” he said.
Wabote said that hosting NOGOF aligns with the key thrusts of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act).
“(NOGICD Act) has changed the NCDMB to build and support the development of local capacities and capabilities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, to foster institutional collaboration, maximising participation of Nigerians in oil and gas activities, linking oil and gas sector to other sectors of the economy, maximising utilisation of Nigerian resources, among others,” he stated.
Wabote also spoke of the objectives of the biennial event, and NCDMB’s readiness to host the upcoming event.
“As always, one of the key objectives of NOGOF is to bring together key stakeholders, including investors, operators, government, major players across the sectors of the oil and gas industry, corporate players, independents among others, to ensure quality discussions.
“I am pleased to announce that, we have put all machineries in motion to bring together these key industry stakeholders, to have an encompassing and vibrant discussions on ways to deepen local content by leveraging on identified opportunities and identify solid ways to move the industry forward. We have also secured some sponsors and exhibitors for the event.
“There are still opportunities to be a sponsor and an exhibitor. Should any stakeholder desire to know ways on how to get involved – in any capacity – we have a dedicated website for NOGOF 2021, which is www.ncdmbnogof.org,” he added.
Wabote also hinted of NCDMB’s plan for investors.
“At NCDMB, we are conscious of the need to project industry opportunities available to stakeholders, especially to investors. To this end, all delegates will receive a copy of the Compendium of Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry 2021. We hope that the compendium is able to guide the strategy of investors in the Nigerian oil and gas industry,” he expressed.
Valuechain adds that NOGOF is a biennial event being championed by the NCDMB.