A Nigerian civil society group has praised the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for what it called inclusive growth and transformative projects in the country’s oil and gas industry — even as he faces criticism from some former militant leaders.
The Concerned Citizen Initiative said Mr. Ogbe’s leadership has strengthened the role of Nigerians in the sector, deepening local participation and building capacity.
“The NCDMB’s mandate is clear,” the group’s executive director, Moses Ajie, said in a statement. “It is to increase Nigerian involvement in oil and gas by developing local skills, using more domestically produced goods and services, and ensuring that the value of the industry stays within our borders.”
Mr. Ajie dismissed the accusations, describing them as a misunderstanding of the board’s mission.
Ajie urged Ogbe to ignore the “media propaganda” and stay focused on ensuring Nigerians across all regions benefit from NCDMB programmes and that the 70 per cent local content target for 2027 is achieved.
“Under Ogbe’s leadership, local content in the oil and gas sector has risen from 54% in 2023 to 56% in 2024, surpassing the 50% target for the year,” Ajie said.
Local companies are also excelling under this drive. Heirs Energies boosted oil production by reviving existing infrastructure. Seplat Energy plans to invest $320 million in reopening wells to increase output to 140,000 barrels per day. Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest, has started production, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports. Green Energy Limited launched the country’s first locally built onshore crude terminal at Otakikpo, unlocking stranded fields and creating new opportunities.
NCDMB’s Back-to-the-Creek Initiative is another highlight, revitalising riverine communities through school upgrades, teacher stipends, digital curricula, STEM and vocational training, and scholarships for top students.
In July 2025, NCDMB partnered with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to improve primary and junior secondary schools nationwide. Earlier, in March 2024, the board held a three-day Research and Development Zonal Workshop at Niger Delta University and a five-day Subsea and FPSO training in Warri, alongside a bag-making vocational programme to promote self-reliance.
Ajie noted that Ogbe continues to implement NCDMB’s 10-Year Strategic Roadmap (2017–2027). At the African Energy Week 2024 Masterclass, the board highlighted that local content has grown from less than 5% in 2010 to 54% today.
“Ogbe’s vision is simple — build the people, and the nation will follow,” Ajie said.
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