NCDMB announces Massive Regulatory Rollout to Eliminate Industry Middlemen
…achieves 61% Nigerian content
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced major local content milestones at the ongoing 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB Engr. Felix Ogbe announced a major regulatory rollout which includes the elimination of Oil Sector Middlemen.
Engr Felix Ogbe who was represented by the Director , Capacity Building, Mr. Bamidele Abayomi said the sweeping reform introduced a unified five-tier grading system and joint audits for contractors., which will completely cut out intermediaries lacking verifiable technical and operational capacities to lower overall oil production costs.
Other updates include Nigeria hitting a historic 61% indigenous participation rate in the oil and gas sector, alongside a massive regulatory rollout pronouncement in expanding local manufacturing.
He noted that Nigeria has achieved 61% Local content which has successfully reversed decades of foreign dominance, growing local industry participation from under 5%, adding that the board’s next strategic milestone targets 70% Nigerian content.
He also said the board strongly warned oil and gas companies against paying unofficial fees for certifications, emphasizing that all NCDMB services are entirely free, stressing that Bribes or extortion attempts should be reported immediately through official channels.
Business Africa Digest recalled that at 11th Nigeria Energy Forum in Lagos, the board reiterated that Nigeria’s sustainable industrialization remains weak without aggressive domestic investments in indigenous technology, engineering, and manufacturing.
On Human Capital and Community Development, he said over 20,000 trainees have now registered under the Project 100 Field Readiness Programme, with digital skills ranking as the most demanded area.
He also announced that Progress has been finalised on designs and project sites to build basic educational facilities in oil-producing regions, remarking that a scholarship scheme has already kicked off as part of efforts to supporting 500 students with educational grants.
The Board confirmed the July 2026 official rollout of the Nigerian Content Trainers Registration Certificate (NCTRC) to accredit local institutions delivering industry capacity building.
He however warned companies and other stakeholders against defaulting on statutory NCDF contributions, saying compliance would increasingly determine access to regulatory services.
