By Christie U. Omonigho
Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) had a Nigerian Content Sensitization Workshop for midstream stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, aimed at strengthening compliance and driving industrial growth in the sector.
The workshop, themed “Compliance with the Provisions of the NOGICD Act 2010: A Pathway to Industrialization” was held in Lagos with key operators and stakeholders from the midstream segment of the industry in attendance. The workshop was to sensitize participants on how best to relate and effectively engage with the Board toward deepening understanding of Nigerian Content obligations and regulatory expectations. It has key focus areas to include registration processes, Nigerian Content Equipment Certification, expatriate quota requirements, and other statutory obligations under the Act.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Mr. Omomehin Ajimijaye, emphasized the strategic importance of the midstream sector within Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
He said that the midstream segment of the industry plays a significant role in gas processing, transportation, storage, and infrastructure development all of which are critical pillars for achieving Nigeria’s industrialization agenda. He stressed that compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act was not merely a statutory requirement, but a strategic imperative for sustainable national development.
He further explained that the workshop was carefully structured to achieve specific objectives, including deepening stakeholders’ understanding of compliance requirements under the Act, clarifying statutory reporting templates, documentation standards, and submission timelines, addressing recurring gaps identified during Monitoring and Evaluation reviews aimed at fostering constructive dialogue on operational realities within the midstream space while strengthening collaboration between the Board and industry stakeholders.
He said the Board over time has received valuable feedback highlighting challenges faced by operators in meeting Nigerian Content obligations, ranging from reporting complexities to varying interpretations of certain provisions of the Act. He said that NCDMB, as a “responsive” regulator of Nigeria’s energy industry activities, will always remain committed not only to enforcing compliance but also to providing guidance, clarity, and the necessary support to enable stakeholders succeed.