NCDMB Says Tamrose Expansion Proves Nigeria Is Building an Indigenous Industrial Base
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Nigeria’s effort to establish an indigenous industrial base capable of servicing the global energy market has received a major boost, as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) hailed Tamrose Limited’s rapid growth as “clear evidence” that local content is translating into full-scale industrialisation.
Speaking at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, highlighted Tamrose’s transformation from four vessels in 2019 to a 15-vessel fleet now operating across Africa, describing it as proof that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICDA) is successfully building Nigerian-owned industrial capacity.
“Tamrose Limited stands as clear evidence that our approach is delivering results,” Ogbe said. “This is what Nigeria can become when we place our confidence in indigenous talent, Nigerian ownership, and the capacity of our people.”
Local Content Driving Industrial Ecosystem
Ogbe emphasised that Nigerian Content is no longer about token participation but about creating a robust industrial ecosystem powered by local capital and technology.
“Our strategic direction is to increase Nigerian participation in the gas value chain, strengthen our role in renewables, expand the blue economy, and build a strong industrial base powered by Nigerian innovation,” he added.
He also announced that following the success of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund), a new product—the Nigerian Content Equity Fund (NCEF)—will be launched in December to provide long-term risk capital to qualified Nigerian companies.
Minister Highlights Industrialisation Impact
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, underscored the significance of Tamrose’s expansion, noting that it demonstrates the type of indigenous capability the NCI Fund was designed to foster.
“The NCI Fund was created to strengthen local capacity not only to service the oil and gas industry in Nigeria but also globally,” he said. “Tamrose is an example of the kind of indigenous companies we want to see—companies that grow capacity, build fleets, and compete internationally.”
Lokpobiri applauded Tamrose’s growth into Angola and its full repayment of the US$10 million facility, calling it proof that indigenous firms can evolve into industrial giants with the right financing.
“It is a thing of joy to celebrate this partnership between NCDMB and Tamrose. They have shown what Nigerian companies can do when given structured support,” he added.
Tamrose Validates Industrialisation Mission
In his remarks, Tamrose Executive Chairman, Ambrose Ovbiebo, said the company’s growth validates the industrialisation objectives of the NOGICDA.
“The support we received has not just been pivotal, it has become a foundation for our evolution. From a small team, we have grown into the trusted partner of some of the most respected international and independent oil and gas companies globally,” he said.
Ovbiebo highlighted that the company’s expansion from four to 15 offshore vessels and operations in both Nigeria and Angola demonstrates how Nigerian firms can grow from local players to continental operators.
“This growth is not just about fleet expansion. It is about building Nigerian capacity, creating Nigerian jobs, and showing that a Nigerian marine logistics company can compete on the global stage,” he said.
He added that the workforce has grown from 50 to 244 employees, with over 100 cadets trained for global deployment.
Support From Industry Stakeholders
Representatives from the Bank of Industry and NIMASA commended Tamrose for demonstrating how Nigerian Content financing can catalyse industrial growth.
With the upcoming launch of the Nigerian Content Equity Fund (NCEF), the NCDMB aims to support more Nigerian companies to replicate Tamrose’s success, driving industrialisation and increasing local participation in the oil and gas sector.
