The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has urged journalists in the South East to strengthen coverage of the oil and gas industry and hold operators accountable for compliance with local content requirements.
The Board made the call at a capacity building workshop for media stakeholders in Anambra State, held in Awka on Thursday, marking its first edition in the South East.
The workshop was organised to improve journalists’ understanding of the Board’s mandate, programmes and opportunities available under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said effective media coverage was important to the implementation of Nigerian content policies and ensuring that people in the region benefited from opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
He urged journalists to report local content activities more effectively and provide coverage that would help residents understand how to participate in the industry.
Ezeobi also stressed the role of the media in ensuring that oil and gas operators comply with Nigerian content requirements.
In his presentation, NCDMB’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Omomehin Ajimijaye, said the Board had engaged stakeholders across different sectors, including the judiciary and immigration agencies, to improve awareness of its activities.
He said the Board’s operations were not restricted to any particular region and encouraged individuals and businesses in the South East to participate actively in the oil and gas industry.
Ajimijaye also urged young people and companies in Anambra State to register on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) portal to access capacity building and employment opportunities available through Nigerian content programmes.
He highlighted the Board’s achievements, including consecutive awards for transparency and efficiency from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
The workshop featured two plenary sessions on community content, emerging trends in journalism and strategies for improving professional excellence in the digital age.
The Anambra State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Dr. Law Mefor, and the Special Adviser on Youth Reorientation, Dr. Nelson Omenugha.
Other NCDMB officials at the event included the General Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha; Senior Manager, Zonal Coordination, Mr. Adebayo Joseph; Imo/Abia Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Emmanuel Ohanyere; and Deputy Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Emmanuel Umeanya.
