Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — The recent publications sponsored by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone and the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Third Phase, which allege that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is favouring the Itsekiri ethnic group while excluding other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta from its capacity-building programmes, are entirely inaccurate and misguided. These assertions not only lack evidentiary support but also reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the NCDMB’s statutory mandate within the oil and gas sector.
The statement from the IYC was endorsed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Secretary, and Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, while the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Third Phase’s position was signed by General Preye Ekpebide, National Chairman. Regrettably, these groups have escalated their claims by demanding the removal of the Executive Secretary, revealing an intent that undermines constructive dialogue
The following facts provide clarity and affirm that such criticisms stem from misinformation, potentially advanced by interests opposed to the progress of the oil and gas industry and the Niger Delta region:
- The NCDMB was established under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010 with two primary mandates:
- To enhance the capabilities of the local supply chain for delivering effective and efficient services to the oil and gas industry, while upholding international standards.
- To implement and enforce the provisions of the NOGICD Act.
It is essential to note that THE NCDMB IS NOT AN INTERVENTIONIST BODY DEDICATED TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGER DELTA. This role is fulfilled by specialized federal entities such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which are explicitly designed to address socio-economic needs in the area.
- Industry stakeholders are well aware that the NCDMB selects participants for its training programmes through the Nigerian Oil and Gas Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS), a transparent, merit-driven platform that operates independently of any individual’s discretion, including that of the Executive Secretary.
Aspiring youths seeking to benefit from NCDMB’s human capacity development initiatives or specialized trainings are strongly encouraged to register on the NOGICJQS to ensure equitable access.
- The NCDMB maintains ongoing, collaborative engagements with various stakeholder groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the IYC, and other sub-ethnic organizations. These interactions allow for meaningful input into the Board’s programmes, including targeted capacity-building efforts that promote inclusivity.
- The NCDMB delivers direct capacity-building programmes across all states in the Niger Delta region, as well as in other parts of Nigeria, ensuring broad geographic coverage and alignment with national development priorities.
- Empirical data reveals that the ethnic group in question has accounted for over 50 percent of beneficiaries in the Board’s training programmes over the past five years. This allocation is attributable to the NCDMB’s operational base in the region, which facilitates localized access while maintaining overall fairness.
- In addition to training, the Board has invested in establishing multiple Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in secondary schools throughout the Niger Delta and beyond, underscoring its dedication to equitable educational advancement and technological empowerment in line with its core mandate.
- The NCDMB’s Human Capacity Development (HCD) programmes are strategically designed to address identified skills gaps in the oil and gas industry and ancillary sectors. These initiatives encompass core technical skills, non-technical competencies, vocational training, and entrepreneurial development to foster sustainable industry growth.
- In 2024, the NCDMB organized specialized capacity-building and leadership development programmes specifically for the leadership of the IYC and other youth advocacy groups, demonstrating proactive inclusion and support for regional representatives.
- The allegations levelled against the Board and the Executive Secretary are wholly unfounded, lacking factual basis, and potentially misleading to the public.
- It is disappointing that these groups have resorted to unsubstantiated claims, which unjustly impugn the integrity of the Executive Secretary and the institution, without grounding their assertions in verifiable evidence.
- The leadership of the IYC Western Zone and Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Third Phase is urged to conduct thorough fact-checking, cease the dissemination of inaccurate information, and avoid unwarranted criticisms of the Executive Secretary and the Board. Constructive engagement would better serve the interests of all stakeholders.
- The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), under the stewardship of Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has consistently upheld fairness and transparency in executing its mandate under the NOGICD Act. By leveraging the merit-driven NOGICJQS platform, fostering inclusive stakeholder engagements, and implementing capacity-building programmes across Nigeria, the Board ensures equitable opportunities for all, including significant participation from Niger Delta communities.
- The establishment of ICT centres, leadership training for groups like the IYC, and the Board’s top efficiency rankings reflect a commitment to national development. Unsubstantiated allegations of nepotism not only misrepresent NCDMB’s impartial operations but also undermine the progress achieved in advancing local content. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage constructively, verifying facts to support the Board’s mission of fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry
