L-R: Akintunde Adelana, Funmi Ogbue, Engr. Simbi Wabote, ES, NCDMB and Patrick Obah at the NOGOF press briefing in Abuja.
-Felix Douglas
Speaking at a press briefing in anticipation of the fourth edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2023, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote, told journalists that NOGOF is a biennial event being championed by the Board.
He added that as the host of NOGOF 2023, the Board’s efforts are aligned with key objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act), which mandates the NCDMB to support the development of local capacities and capabilities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, foster institutional collaboration, maximize participation of Nigerians in oil and gas activities, link the oil and gas sector to other sectors of the economy, maximize utilization of Nigerian resources, among other objectives.
NCDMB goal is to use NOGOF as a platform to promote these objectives and drive growth and development across the Nigerian oil and gas value chain.
“We are excited to engage with key stakeholders, foster the development of local content, and strategize on capacity building initiatives that will benefit the industry and the broader economy.”
“This will be the 4th edition of NOGOF. The 1st and 2nd editions were hosted in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, respectively while the 3rd edition was hosted virtually due to the COVID -19 pandemic. This 4th edition is scheduled to hold on 18th and 19th of May 2023 in Bayelsa State, while delegate registration will start on the 17th of May, followed by a welcome cocktail event on the same day.”
The theme of 4th edition is “The Oil and Gas Industry Catalyst and Fuel for the Industrialization of Nigeria.”
According to Wabote, the theme is important as it highlights the critical role of the oil and gas industry in fueling industrialization and overall development of Nigeria’s economy.
“We are also raising the bar at this year’s event by expanding our focus to include the linkage industries and extending our reach beyond Nigeria to the entire African continent.”
The agenda includes technical and opportunity sessions from various stakeholders, an exhibition that will enable networking opportunities to delegates and give organizations the opportunity to distinguish themselves and present their activities and products to delegates. There will also be the NOGOF Award Ceremony in recognition of distinguished industry players by the NCDMB.
This year NCDMB is incorporating linkage industries and expanding its reach beyond Nigeria to the entire African continent. The goal is to showcase the various opportunities available in the oil and gas industry and foster partnerships that will drive growth and development in the sector.
The Executive Secretary pointed out that NCDMB recognises that the oil and gas industry has the potential to catalyze industrialization and promote economic growth, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent.
“As such, we are excited to welcome delegates, partners, and governmental bodies from different parts of Africa to engage in quality discussions and explore new business opportunities. In doing so, we hope to stimulate investment, foster technology transfer, and enhance local content development across the African oil and gas value chain.”
One of the key objectives of NOGOF 2023 is to bring together key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to discuss ways to deepen local content by leveraging identified opportunities and identify solid ways to move the industry forward.
The event will provide an opportunity for investors, operators, government officials, and major players across various sectors to engage in quality discussions. “We have secured some sponsors and exhibitors but there are still opportunities to be a sponsor and an exhibitor and interested stakeholders can visit the dedicated NOGOF 2023 website at www.ncdmbnogof.org for information on how to get involved in any capacity. I enjoin you to visit this website, which will be updated at intervals with the latest information of how to get involved.”
NCDMB remains committed to providing information about the various opportunities available to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, particularly investors. Thus it has prepared a Compendium of Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry 2023, which will be made available to all delegates at the event.
The Board’s goal is to provide a valuable resource that will guide the investment strategies of interested parties in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
The compendium will serve as a useful tool in identifying and pursuing investment opportunities that align with the local content requirements of the industry.
Responding to questions from journalists concerning NCDMB selling its model to other African countries since its bulk of activities is in Nigeria. The issue of technology replacing human activity and regulation to protect job against emerging trend, Wabote made it known clearly that since opportunities have been built in Nigeria, it is better to export them to its African neighbours. The Board ensures that the Floating Production Storage and Operating (FPSO) system in line with laid down agreements are done in Nigeria.
On challenge posed by artificial intelligence, he said it is even an opportunity to create more jobs because people built the robots and they are used for production hence the manufacturers are not redundant because it needs to be operated and guided.
With regards to in-country capacity that has been increased to 54% NCDMB has a roadmap which it has not deviated from with a parameter of measurement to assess its performance. In NOGOF the percentage will be shared and performance of companies that assisted NCDMB with the figures will be revealed.
There are concerns on how the Board can sustain its efforts since there will be transition into a new government. Wabote allays fear of sustainability which will not be a problem because government is a continuous process and the same party will be at the helms of affairs. It is believed that progress made under his watch at NCDMB will be progressed further by in-coming government.
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