Fourteen retired employees of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have been celebrated for their contributions to advancing local content within the nation’s oil and gas sector.
The retirees were hosted at a dinner on Sunday at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The gathering allowed former executive members to evaluate the challenges and milestones since the passage of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act in 2010.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Esueme Kikile, stated that the occasion was organized to recognize individuals who gave substantial portions of their careers to the agency. Kikile noted that the retirees added value beyond their core duties by offering mentorship, sharing knowledge, and fostering institutional networks that continue to guide the board, while wishing them good health and peace in retirement.
Recalling the initial implementation of the 2010 legislation, former Director of Legal Services, Mohammed Umar, stated that major industry operators originally resisted the changes. He explained that local content was a novel concept in the sector and that companies were initially uncooperative, requiring strategic diplomacy to foster understanding and adherence to the law.
Umar highlighted that local content participation has risen from roughly 5 per cent in 2010 to 61 per cent today, noting, “Local content has come to stay. Many other African countries now come to Nigeria to learn the secret of the country’s success.” He encouraged active staff members to stay dedicated to preserving these gains.
Former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Isaac Yalah, pointed to the $350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund as a transformative tool for local firms. Yalah said, “The Nigerian Content Intervention Fund was a game changer with regard to indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry,” adding that single-digit interest rates enabled local service companies to purchase assets and broaden operations.
Other former directors reflected on operational hurdles and institutional growth during their tenure. Daziba Obah, a pioneer director and former Acting Executive Secretary, recounted the logistical demands of building the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower and funding early research initiatives prior to the inaugural Research and Development Fair in 2017. Similarly, former General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr Ginah Ginah, praised the agency’s training initiatives and its establishment of ICT centres for youth across oil-producing communities.
The evening featured testimonials from serving staff regarding the guidance received from the retirees, concluding with cultural performances and a dance session. Alongside Umar, Yalah, Obah, and Ginah, the honourees included Dr Ama Ikuru, Adelana Akintunde, Dr Obinna Ofili, Angela Okoro, Taridouye Gagariga, Ombu Atonbara, Okpetu Gabriel, and Peter Isu Odo.