NCDMB Targets Youth Capacity for Nigeria’s Energy Transition
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says Nigeria cannot achieve a smooth and economically secure energy transition without intentionally nurturing young talents capable of driving local content growth in the emerging energy landscape.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, made this known at the 9th Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition held in Yenagoa, where 16-year-old Josephine Oyinkansola Akande, a 200-level medical student of Obafemi Awolowo University, emerged winner of the ₦1 million grand prize.
Ogbe, represented by the Deputy Manager, Government Relations, Mr. Teddy Bai, said the 2025 competition theme, “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry,” underscores the urgency of building a workforce equipped to support Nigeria’s evolving energy future.
Preparing Nigeria’s Youth for a Changing Energy Landscape
“The global energy market is shifting, and Nigeria must prepare its human capital to remain competitive,” Ogbe said.
He warned that local content may falter during the transition unless young Nigerians fully understand industry changes and acquire the skills required for meaningful participation.
“Local content will not survive the energy transition unless our youths understand the changing dynamics of the industry and acquire the skills to participate meaningfully,” he added.
NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap Anchored on Capacity Building
Ogbe noted that the competition forms part of NCDMB’s broader initiatives under its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, which places capacity building at the heart of Nigeria’s long-term energy sustainability objectives.
“This competition helps young people develop analytical, research and problem-solving skills that are crucial in the new energy economy,” he said.
“We are preparing them to lead Nigeria’s transition into cleaner, smarter and more efficient energy systems.”
Ensuring Youth Inclusion in Low-Carbon Energy Future
Programme Consultant, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, applauded NCDMB’s commitment to sustaining the competition, stressing that young Nigerians must not be excluded from the global shift toward low-carbon energy systems.
“Energy transition is not only about technology; it is about people,” Omorozi said. “What NCDMB is doing is building the thinking capacity that will power Nigeria’s future energy leadership.”
With initiatives such as this, the NCDMB continues to position Nigerian youths at the centre of national energy transformation efforts, ensuring they have the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in the new energy economy.
