The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has highlighted the remarkable growth of local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, revealing that indigenous participation has risen from less than five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent, with a target of achieving 70 per cent by 2027.
The Board made the disclosure on Monday at the maiden edition of the SweetCrude Dialogue 2026, themed “Through the Python’s Eye: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria,” held at the Nigerian Content Towers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, said the impressive growth in Nigerian content was driven by deliberate investments in human capital development, infrastructure and strategic partnerships aimed at deepening indigenous participation across the oil and gas value chain.
Kikile said the Board remained committed to consolidating the gains through flagship initiatives, including the Nigerian Content Tower, the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, as well as gas-based industrialisation projects designed to stimulate economic diversification and create jobs.
According to him, the Board’s long-term vision is to build the skills, technology and industrial capacity required for Nigerians to lead the next phase of growth in the nation’s oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.
The inaugural dialogue brought together government officials, industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s 70-year oil and gas journey and explore pathways to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, described the dialogue as timely and significant.
He recalled that the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act during his administration laid the foundation for the rapid expansion of indigenous participation in the petroleum industry, describing the legislation as a game changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Bayelsa and Delta State governments, as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), all of whom commended the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development and value creation in the oil and gas industry.
Kikile was accompanied to the event by the NCDMB General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi; Manager, Government Relations, Mr. Teddy Bai; and other officials of the Board.
