NCDMB Celebrates Retirees and Looks Back on Local Content Growth

The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 and the growth of local content in the oil and gas sector since then were major topics at a Retirees’ Celebration Dinner on Friday. This event took place at the Conference Centre, Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Yenagoa, which is the headquarters of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Fourteen former staff members from its seven Directorates received Special Awards of Excellence for their years of dedicated service.

Mohammed Babaginda Umar, a retired Director from the Legal Services Directorate (LSD), spoke about the initial resistance from big oil and gas companies to the new law. This law aimed to increase local participation and promote the use of Nigerian workers and products. He said that this was a challenge for the Directorate, but they worked hard to show the industry and the country how they would benefit from it.

"Local content was new in the oil and gas sector," he said. He pointed out that companies were not very cooperative, and they had to be tactful to get them to understand and follow the law. He noted that it was a significant achievement that companies gradually accepted the law and became reliable partners. Local content has grown to 61 percent, up from just five percent in 2010.

"Local content has come to stay," he added. Many other African countries now look to Nigeria to learn how it succeeded. He urged staff still working at NCDMB to give their all to keep up the progress made in performance and growth.

Another retiree, Mr Daziba Patrick Obah, who held several positions including pioneer Director of the Planning Research and Statistics (PRS) Directorate, shared his experiences. He talked about the challenges faced during the construction of the 17-storey NCT and how they overcame these issues while he was the chief executive.

He said funding was a big challenge for Research and Development at the start. Some felt that NCDMB should cover all costs, while others thought the oil and gas industry should fund research. In the end, the Board took on this responsibility and showed it could manage research projects well. They hosted the first Research and Development Fair and Conference in Lagos in September 2017.

Mr Isaac Yalah, who retired as Director of PRS, emphasized that NCDMB helps staff do their best by providing tools and development programs that boost productivity. "We had to put in everything," he said, as they worked hard to reach their goals.

He described the US$350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) as a turning point for local participation in the oil and gas industry. Many Nigerian service companies accessed this low-interest fund to buy necessary equipment.

He highlighted how NCDMB's efforts under the NOGICD Act have helped local companies. "We are proud to say we have the likes of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Seplat Energy Company, Oando" as major local companies in the upstream oil sector. He advised staff to keep learning and stay focused to elevate the Board’s achievements.

Dr Ginah Otonye Ginah, former General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, described his time at NCDMB as "very exciting." He learned a lot about how organizations function. "People were dedicated to their work... and there were many training sessions provided by the Board," he said.

He was particularly pleased with the progress made in promoting digital knowledge in oil-producing rural areas of the Niger Delta through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centres in secondary schools.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Mr Esueme Dan Kikile, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate (MED), said the gathering was to honor distinguished retirees. He said these men and women dedicated many years of their lives to the Board and helped make NCDMB a leading organization.

He mentioned that the retirees contributed beyond their job duties by sharing knowledge, building relationships, mentoring colleagues, and adding to the Board's experience. On behalf of the Management and entire staff, Kikile wished them good health, happiness, and rewarding years ahead with family and friends.

The evening also featured testimonials from current staff who worked closely with the retirees. They shared personal stories and experiences, creating an emotional atmosphere. Speakers reflected on the professional guidance and mentorship they received from the retirees, highlighting their lasting impact.

The event included a dance session and a cultural performance, which made the celebration lively. It was a great chance for retirees and their former colleagues to connect in a friendly setting.

Other retirees celebrated included Dr Ama Ikuru, former Director of Capacity Building; Mr Adelana Akintunde, former Director of Monitoring and Evaluation; Dr Obinna Ofili, former Director of Finance and Personnel Administration; Mrs Angela Okoro, former General Manager of Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination; Mr Taridouye Gagariga, former Manager of Properties; Mr Ombu Atonbara, former Manager of Audit; Mr Okpetu Gabriel, former Deputy Manager of Capacity Building; and Mr Peter Isu Odo, former Manager of Security.