NCDMB Honors Retirees, Reflect on Local Content Growth From 5% to 61%

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has celebrated its retired pioneering staff, with former management officials reflecting on the evolution of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry from about five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent.

The NCDMB disclosed this in a statement issued by its General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, on Monday, September 28, 2026, following a Retirees’ Celebration Dinner held at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The event brought together pioneering management staff who contributed to the establishment and development of the Board following the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.

Fourteen former employees who served across the Board’s seven Directorates were honoured with Special Awards of Excellence in recognition of their years of service and contributions to the growth of the organisation.

Speaking at the event, the retired Director of Legal Services Directorate, Mohammed Babaginda Umar, Esq., recalled the initial resistance encountered from some major oil and gas industry players following the enactment of the NOGICD Act.

Umar said the legislation was initially unfamiliar to many operators, requiring sustained engagement and explanation of its potential benefits to the industry and the Nigerian economy.

“Local content was new in the oil and gas sector,” he said, explaining that companies were initially reluctant to cooperate and that tact was required to build understanding and compliance with the provisions of the Act.

He, however, noted that the situation gradually changed as industry operators embraced the law and became partners in its implementation, contributing to the reported growth of local content from five per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent.

“Local content has come to stay,” Umar declared, adding that other African countries now visit Nigeria to learn from the country’s experience in developing local content.

He urged serving staff of the Board to maintain the momentum by remaining committed to their responsibilities and continuing to give their best.

Another pioneer, Mr. Daziba Patrick Obah, who served as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Acting Executive Secretary of NCDMB between 2016 and 2017 and later Director of Corporate Services, recalled some of the challenges associated with the construction of the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower.

Obah also highlighted the Board’s early efforts in research and development, noting that funding was initially contentious, with debates over whether NCDMB or oil and gas operators should bear the cost.

He said the Board eventually took responsibility and demonstrated its capacity to manage research projects effectively, culminating in the maiden Research and Development Fair and Conference held in Lagos in September 2017.

For former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Isaac Yalah, the Board’s investment in staff development and provision of appropriate working tools contributed significantly to productivity.

“We had to put in everything,” Yalah said, recalling the determination of pioneer staff to achieve the objectives set for the emerging local content institution.

He described the US$350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) as a game changer for indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, saying several Nigerian service companies accessed the single-digit facility to acquire critical operational assets.

Yalah also cited the emergence and growth of indigenous companies in the upstream petroleum sector as part of the impact of NCDMB’s implementation of the NOGICD Act, saying, “We are very proud to say we have the likes of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Seplat Energy Company, Oando” as leading indigenous players.

He urged serving staff to remain focused and committed to continuous learning in order to move the Board to higher levels of achievement.

Also reflecting on his tenure, former General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Dr. Ginah Otonye Ginah, described his years at NCDMB as “very exciting times,” saying the experience exposed him to valuable lessons about organisational management.

“People were dedicated to their work … and there were a lot of trainings provided by the Board,” Ginah said.

He particularly highlighted the Board’s contribution to digital awareness and literacy in oil-producing communities through the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centres in secondary schools across the Niger Delta and other areas.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq., said the celebration was organised to honour individuals whose professional contributions helped shape the Board.

Kikile said the retirees’ contributions went beyond their official responsibilities, as they “shared knowledge, built relationships, mentored colleagues and contributed to the institutional experience that continues to shape the Board today.”

He, on behalf of the management and staff of NCDMB, wished the retirees good health, peace, happiness and fulfilment, with “many rewarding years ahead, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.”

A major highlight of the event was a testimonial session during which serving staff, including some who had worked as Technical Assistants to the retirees, shared personal experiences about their professional relationships with the former officials.

The testimonials highlighted the retirees’ contributions to mentorship, professional development, institutional knowledge and workplace relationships, with the session providing an emotional reflection on their years of service.

The celebration also featured a dance session by the retirees and a cultural performance, providing an opportunity for former colleagues and serving staff to interact in a relaxed atmosphere.

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