NCDMB Chief Praised for Transformative Oil and Gas Projects
Abuja, Nigeria — Civil society leaders have praised Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for driving landmark projects in the oil and gas industry, boosting local content, and strengthening Nigerian participation, even as he faces criticism from some former militant leaders.
Civil Society Endorsement
The Concerned Citizen Initiative (CCI) said Ogbe’s leadership is delivering inclusive growth and building capacity across the sector. According to CCI’s Executive Director, Moses Ajie, “The NCDMB’s mandate is clear. It is to increase Nigerian involvement in oil and gas by developing local skills, using more domestically produced goods and services, and ensuring that the value of the industry stays within our borders.”
Ajie dismissed recent accusations as a misunderstanding of the board’s mission. He urged Ogbe to ignore “media propaganda” and remain focused on achieving the 70% local content target by 2027. “Under Ogbe’s leadership, local content has risen from 54% in 2023 to 56% in 2024, surpassing the 50% target for the year,” he said.
Industry Milestones
Local companies have made significant gains under the board’s drive. Heirs Energies increased oil production by reviving existing infrastructure. Seplat Energy announced a $320 million investment to reopen wells and expand output to 140,000 barrels per day. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest, began production, cutting Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. Green Energy Limited also launched Nigeria’s first locally built onshore crude terminal at Otakikpo, unlocking stranded fields and creating new business opportunities.
Community and Education Initiatives
NCDMB’s Back-to-the-Creek Initiative has revitalised riverine communities with upgraded schools, teacher stipends, digital curricula, STEM and vocational training, and scholarships for top students. In July 2025, NCDMB partnered with the Universal Basic Education Commission to improve primary and junior secondary schools nationwide. Earlier in 2024, the board organised a Research and Development Workshop at Niger Delta University, subsea and FPSO training in Warri, and a vocational bag-making programme.
Long-Term Vision
Ogbe continues to implement NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2017–2027), which has already raised local content from less than 5% in 2010 to over 54% today. At the African Energy Week 2024 Masterclass, the board showcased this progress as a model for sustainable industry growth.
“Ogbe’s vision is simple, build the people, and the nation will follow,” Ajie said.
