The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has emphasized that local content is not merely a policy but a strategic imperative for achieving national energy sufficiency and economic resilience.
Speaking at the opening of the 24th Edition of the NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition 2025 Nigerian Content Seminar held in Abuja on Monday, Engr. Ogbe declared that Nigeria must harness its domestic capabilities to build a resilient and self-sufficient energy sector.
“This year’s theme, ‘Achieving Energy Sufficiency through Local Content,’ is timely and relevant. For Nigeria, energy sufficiency extends beyond availability. It involves resilience, sovereignty, and sustainability — all anchored in strong local capacity,” he stated.
Ogbe maintained that a nation aiming for energy independence must deepen its involvement across the oil and gas value chain — from exploration and production to refining and distribution — to create jobs, mitigate disruptions, and retain economic value within its borders.
Highlighting Federal Government efforts to bolster local content, he referenced key initiatives including the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, Executive Orders 001 and 005, and the recently launched Nigeria First Policy.
According to Ogbe, “The Nigeria First Policy is rooted in a simple but powerful principle — all goods or services that are produced or available locally must not be procured from foreign sources unless there is a clear and justifiable reason.”
He added that this policy aligns with Section 3(1) of the NOGICD Act, which mandates first consideration for Nigerian goods and services, provided they meet industry standards.
“The Nigeria First Policy is not just a procurement adjustment. It is about restoring dignity to Nigerian enterprises, unlocking local capacities, and building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy,” Ogbe said.
To drive the implementation of the policy, the NCDMB is developing a dedicated Nigeria First Procurement Policy, integrating the principle into its internal systems, and commissioning a baseline study to assess the capacity of local service providers.
Engr. Ogbe concluded by calling on public officials, industry stakeholders, and citizens to embrace the Nigeria First Policy, stressing that local content is key to both Nigeria’s energy goals and its broader economic transformation.