Speaking at the opening of NOG Energy Week in Abuja, NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, called the policy a decisive push towards energy sovereignty and economic resilience. “Local content is no longer just policy—it’s a strategic imperative,” Ogbe stated.

Local First, Global Confidence

Anchored on President Bola Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda, the “Nigeria First” policy mandates prioritising locally made goods and services—unless no viable local alternatives exist. Ogbe cited Section 3(1) of the NOGICD Act, which demands first consideration for Nigerian goods, and reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to enforce it.

“This policy means that what we can source locally, we must,” he said. “It’s about protecting value, building jobs, and asserting national pride.”

Turning Policy into Practice

To implement the directive, NCDMB will roll out a dedicated “Nigeria First Procurement Policy” for internal and industry-wide use. The Board will embed the new rule into its review process for Nigerian Content Plans (NCPs), compliance assessments, and certification procedures.

Ogbe also announced two critical baseline studies: one to assess the current capacity of Nigerian service providers, and another to catalogue locally manufactured oil and gas consumables.

“This isn’t rhetoric—it’s measurable action,” he emphasised.

Energy Sufficiency Starts at Home

Under the conference theme, “Achieving Energy Sufficiency through Local Content Implementation,” Ogbe outlined the wider stakes. He stressed that true energy sufficiency depends on deepening capacity across the entire oil and gas value chain—from exploration to manufacturing and services.

“This is how we build resilience, prevent supply shocks, and future-proof our economy,” he added.

Grassroots Empowerment Gets a Boost

Alongside national policy shifts, the NCDMB also unveiled a revamped version of its ₦50 billion Community Contractors Financing Scheme—a part of the Nigerian Content Intervention (NCI) Fund. Originally launched in 2018, the scheme had struggled until recent reforms under Ogbe’s leadership reignited its purpose.

During a panel session on grassroots financing, NCDMB’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the restructured fund aims to expand access for verified contractors in host communities.

“Other NCI Fund products have succeeded. Now it’s time for communities to benefit directly,” Ezeobi said.

What’s New: Bigger Loans, Easier Access

Ms. Fatima Mohammed, General Manager of the Nigerian Content Development Fund, revealed that community contractors can now borrow up to ₦100 million at a single-digit interest rate. Borrowers must have active contracts with either international or indigenous oil companies.

Collateral requirements have been eased, and the Board is planning mass sensitisation campaigns ahead of imminent disbursements. To further decentralise operations, the scheme will now involve multiple Performing Financial Institutions (PFIs).

“We want communities not just to witness development—but to drive it,” Mohammed said. “This is a fresh start for real local participation.”