The historic ceremony held at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, marks a milestone in public-private collaboration. It featured a formal sign-off of the Committee’s Terms of Reference, a guided refinery tour, and presentation of the Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year Award to Dangote Refinery.

Collaborating for Nigerian Value

Presiding over the event, NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, applauded Dangote Group for delivering what he called a “historic milestone” for Nigeria and Africa. “This refinery will significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy security,” he said. “Nigerians must own, protect, and sustain it.”

He emphasised that the refinery represents the success of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 and called for full compliance with Sections 32 and 33, particularly around manpower and expatriate hiring approvals.

“No expatriate is allowed to work in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry without NCDMB approval,” Ogbe warned. “This plant must empower Nigerian engineers, technicians, and fabricators at every level.”

Award Recognition and a Clear Mandate

During the event, Ogbe presented the prestigious Downstream Operator of the Year Award to Dangote Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. “This certificate will be displayed proudly in my office,” Dangote said, beaming with pride.

Ogbe urged the refinery to support NCDMB’s flagship initiative—the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS)—to strengthen SME participation in oilfield manufacturing and fabrication. “We want Dangote to support our push for job creation through these industrial parks,” he said.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Meets National Goals

In his welcome remarks, Chief Edwin Devakumar, Group Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Group, highlighted past collaboration with NCDMB during construction. “We’re grateful for the Board’s support. We can’t say we’ve achieved everything, but we’re committed to doing more,” he said.

He underscored the company’s dual focus: “As a Nigerian company, local content is our priority. As an entrepreneur-led company, efficiency and cost optimisation guide our steps.”

Joint Technical Committee Begins Work

The newly inaugurated JTC will guide the refinery’s operational procedures to align with the NOGICD Act. Its core mission includes prioritising Nigerian manpower, services, and raw materials—ensuring compliance with Section 3 of the Act.

Chairing the committee is Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to the leadership of both organisations. “This Committee is ready to deliver results. We’ll ensure local content enforcement benefits the Nigerian economy in real, measurable ways,” he said.