The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has challenged African oil-producing nations to strengthen their manufacturing ecosystems as a deliberate strategy to build skills, support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and transform the continent’s oil and gas industry.

Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe gave the charge on Tuesday at the opening of the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek, Namibia. Represented by the Board’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Ogbe emphasised that manufacturing-driven local content is key to industrial transformation.

Specialisation for Stronger Trade

Ogbe urged oil-producing countries to specialise in specific manufacturing and service areas of the oil and gas industry, developing their competencies to meet global standards. This, he said, would enable African nations to trade with each other and contribute to producing complex oil and gas equipment.

He compared the model to the production of Boeing aircraft, where different countries manufacture specialised components which are then assembled in one location. “Each African country can develop a competitive advantage and collectively strengthen the continent’s oil and gas value chain,” he stated.

Local Content: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

The NCDMB boss outlined key principles for successful local content implementation: it must be treated as a long-term business strategy, not corporate social responsibility; it must be cost-effective; and it must reflect local realities.

He added that regulations should apply to all industry players — local and foreign — and implementation should be consistent, coordinated, and inclusive of grassroots communities.

Partnerships and Shared Prosperity

Ogbe assured the audience that Nigeria is ready to partner with Namibia and other African nations to build an energy sector that empowers Africans and drives shared prosperity. He listed Africa’s local content value propositions, including research and technology development, local employment, strategic partnerships, value chain optimisation, and increased GDP contribution.

Nigeria’s Local Content Successes

Using Nigeria as a case study, Dr. Halilu highlighted NCDMB’s achievements: world-class fabrication and construction yards, human capital development programmes, manufacturing initiatives, service sector growth, financial support schemes, and FPSO integration capability.

He noted that Nigeria’s new local content wave focuses on equipment assembly, SME development, R&D enforcement, technology transfer, and prioritising gas-based industrialisation.

Conference Engagement

The opening day also featured a presentation by Esueme Dan Kikile, NCDMB’s General Manager for Human Capacity Development, who shared success stories in human capital growth. Nigeria’s achievements in local content were repeatedly referenced during discussions.

The conference runs until Friday and will feature another presentation by Ogbe, as well as a panel discussion including PETAN Chairman, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya.