The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) took part in the Africa Local Content Programme on Tuesday. This event is part of the ongoing Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana.
Africa Oil Week (AOW 2026) is a major international conference and exhibition focused on Africa’s oil, gas, and upstream energy sector. It gathers industry leaders, governments, regulators, investors, and service providers to create policies, share discoveries, secure investments, and shape the future of energy in Africa.
The Africa Local Content Programme had the theme “Building African Capacity, Competitiveness and Collaboration Across the Upstream Value Chain.” It was organized along with the African Union (AU) and the Petroleum Commission Ghana. The programme included important discussions aimed at improving African capacity, competitiveness, and teamwork in the upstream value chain.
Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, gave the opening remarks. He spoke on the theme “From Resource Ownership to Industrial Power.” He was represented by Dr Abdulmalik Halilu, the Director of Corporate Services at NCDMB. Dr Halilu emphasized the need for African countries to go beyond just owning resources. They should focus on building sustainable industrial capacity and creating more value from their natural resources. This will help African businesses compete on a global level.
He highlighted that “local content frameworks must promote the development and utilization of African cross border capacities for the industrialization of Africa.” He also pointed out that local content can lead to research and technology development, local job creation, strategic partnerships, ownership and control of assets, supply chain optimization, sustainable operations, increased production and use of local goods, and contributions to gross domestic product (GDP).
Mr Ajimijaye Omomehin, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at NCDMB, took part in discussions on “Harmonising and Standardising Technology and Policy: Driving Change through the Brazzaville Accord.” This session looked into how important policy and technology alignment is for regional energy development.
Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division, moderated a session called “Market Entry Insights: Unlocking Africa’s Most Compelling Upstream Opportunities.” Dr Hailu was a panelist discussing strategies to boost investment in Africa’s oil and gas sector. The panel agreed that local content can attract investments and reduce operation costs. They also mentioned that African oil producers need stable regulations to draw in investment capital.
NCDMB officials joined in several key sessions, sharing the Board’s experience on issues affecting the future of Africa’s energy sector. Mr Erefagha Turner, Assistant Manager of Planning, Research and Statistics, spoke on “Unlocking Capital for African Content Growth.” He focused on creating financing pathways to help local businesses grow across the continent. He noted the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) as a successful model that has helped service companies build their capacities.
Dokubo Obongo, Manager of Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building, talked about “Investing in Talent: Building Africa’s Energy Workforce.” He stressed that developing skills and investing in human capital are vital for creating a competitive African energy workforce. Mr Ajimijaye Omomehin also contributed to talks on “Building Regional Oil & Gas Industrial Hubs.”
The different sessions highlighted the need for access to capital, policy alignment, technology, talent development, and regional cooperation. These are essential for turning Africa’s rich natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
NCDMB’s role at Africa Oil Week shows its commitment to promoting local content development, strengthening African capacity, and fostering collaboration to build a competitive and sustainable energy industry across the continent.
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