The Governing Council and top management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) held a two-day retreat over the weekend in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, to reinforce statutory responsibilities, corporate governance, and performance strategies in the oil and gas sector.
The retreat, the first since the Council’s inauguration in the first quarter of 2024, was attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Co-Chairman, Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo; and other Council members.
In his opening remarks, Lokpobiri stated the retreat was convened to familiarize Council members with the operations of the Board and their supervisory roles under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
He stressed the need for adherence to statutory limits to foster trust and effective collaboration between the Council and Management.
The Minister described the NCDMB as a key enabler of indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry and urged Management to improve transparency by sharing information on its activities and challenges.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Capacity Building, Engr Abayomi Bamidele welcomed participants and described the retreat as an opportunity for strategic engagement and deeper understanding of the Board’s operations.
He announced the Council’s role in providing policy direction and approving strategic plans, as outlined in Section 75 of the NOGICD Act.
Bamidele cited the establishment of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), the implementation of the 10-Year Strategic Road Map (2017–2027), and the increase in local content from 5 percent in 2010 to 56 percent as key achievements.
He called for continued support from the Council to address operational challenges through policy and regulatory interventions.
The retreat featured presentations from experts including Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, who spoke on corporate governance and accountability.
Other presentations covered topics such as tax reforms, performance optimization, and the status of the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF).
During the retreat, the Council and Management paid a courtesy visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, in Uyo.
Lokpobiri thanked the Governor for his hospitality and acknowledged the State’s contributions to capacity development.
The Governor also praised the Board’s interventions and sought collaboration on projects including an oxygen plant and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives.
Among the NCDMB officials at the retreat were Engr Bamidele Abayomi, Director, Capacity Building; Mr Naboth Onyesoh, Director, Legal Services; Mr Silas Ajimijaye, General Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation (Midstream); Ms Tassala Tersugh, General Manager, Midstream; Mr Teddy Bai, Deputy Manager, Government Relations; Engr John Barigha, Supervisor, Marine Vessel Categorisation; Mr Ikenna Ezeguzo, Supervisor, Movable Assets; and Mr Prince Foncha, Officer, Corporate Communications Division.
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