NCDMB Launches Nigerian Content Lecture Series to Drive Industry Thought Leadership
By Naija Enquirer Staff
In a bid to strengthen human capacity and provide strategic thought leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced the launch of the Nigerian Content Academy Lecture Series. The weekly initiative, designed to run for twelve sessions, will spotlight key issues shaping the energy industry and explore pathways for sustainable local content growth.
The lecture series is an initiative of the Nigerian Content Academy, a specialised arm of the NCDMB dedicated to training and capacity development. The programme will feature an impressive lineup of speakers drawn from across the oil and gas landscape and Nigeria’s broader economy.
Industry Heavyweights Headline the Lecture Series
Among the confirmed speakers are former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, pioneer NCDMB Executive Secretary Dr. Ernest Nwapa, Special Adviser to the President on Energy Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, and Mr. Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman of AA Holdings and former CEO of Seplat Energy. Other notable participants include senior executives, policymakers, and academic leaders from Nigeria’s energy space.
Driving Conversations for Sustainable Local Content
According to Dr. Ama Ikuru, Director of the Nigerian Content Academy, each lecture will delve into emerging industry challenges, innovative solutions, and opportunities for local participation. He emphasized that the platform aims to “bring together key stakeholders to review progress, reimagine implementation, and shape the future of Nigerian Content delivery.”
Some sessions will be held virtually, while others will take place physically, with attendance expected from operators, regulators, and policy influencers in the oil and gas sector.
Line-Up of Sessions and Speakers
The series will begin on Thursday, October 9, 2025 with Dr. Ernest Nwapa delivering a virtual lecture on “Staying the Nigerian Content Course in the Midst of Delivery Challenges.” Subsequent sessions include:
- October 16: “Managing Non-Technical Risks and Local Content Growth in Oil and Gas” — Mr. Sam Ezugworie, COO, Seplat Energy.
- October 29: “Indigenous Operators as the Pillars for Local Content Growth” — Mr. Austin Avuru.
- November 12: “Maximizing Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investments Through Local Content Implementation” — Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen.
- December 10: “Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010 – 15 Years On: Achievements and the Way Forward” — Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
- December 18: “New Initiatives, New Thinking for Growing Nigerian Content in the Oil and Gas Industry” — Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB.
Empowering Nigerians for the Future
As a key component of NCDMB’s human capacity development drive, the Nigerian Content Academy focuses on providing world-class training, fostering entrepreneurship, and equipping Nigerians with critical skills to thrive in the evolving energy landscape. The ultimate goal is to ensure Nigerians take full advantage of opportunities across the oil and gas value chain, while deepening local participation and national development.
Knowledge Sharing for National Growth
Other distinguished experts expected to participate include Mr. Chidi Nkazi, Prof. Mike Onyekwu, Dr. Nosa Omorodion, Barr. Mohammed Umar, Mazi Sam Onyechi, and Prof. Joseph Atubokiki-Ajienka. The lecture series promises to be a premier knowledge-sharing platform, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to advancing local content as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
