The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called on communities hosting oil and gas operations to take full advantage of its Community Content Guideline (CCG), a framework designed to improve their participation in the industry.
The guideline, created under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010, aims to ensure that host communities benefit directly from oil and gas activities. It outlines responsibilities for operating companies, including providing jobs, training opportunities, contracts, and support for local businesses. It also encourages investment in infrastructure and development projects within these communities.
To increase awareness, the NCDMB partnered with Boss Engineering Nigeria Limited to organize a sensitisation workshop in Bayelsa State. The event focused on educating community members about the opportunities available to them through the guideline.
During the workshop, the General Manager of Zonal Coordination at NCDMB, Ifeanyi Ukoha, expressed concern that many participants were not familiar with key industry tools and opportunities. For example, none of the attendees had registered on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS), a platform that connects individuals and companies to opportunities in the sector. Many were also unaware of funding programs provided by the Board.
Ukoha encouraged participants to pay close attention and ask questions so they could better understand how to benefit from the system. He emphasized that the guideline was created to strengthen relationships between companies and host communities while ensuring fair participation.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, represented by his Special Adviser on Local Content, praised the NCDMB for organizing the workshop. He noted that the guideline offers many benefits, including employment, skill development, funding, and business opportunities. He urged the Board to hold similar events regularly to help more people understand how to participate effectively in the industry.
The workshop included detailed presentations on key programs. One session explained how to use the NOGIC JQS portal, including registration steps for individuals and companies. Another session focused on the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), which supports industrial growth by providing financing for businesses.
Officials highlighted a $350 million intervention fund managed by the Bank of Industry, which helps companies access loans for equipment, contracts, and other needs. There is also a Community Contractor Finance scheme, offering up to N100 million loans at an interest rate of eight percent to support local contractors. Additionally, a special fund exists to support women in the oil and gas sector, providing working capital and financial assistance.
Another presentation explained the importance of obtaining the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate (NCEC), which companies must have before participating in industry activities.
Participants raised concerns about the challenges of entering the oil and gas sector and called for the completion of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme in Bayelsa. Officials responded by assuring them of continued support and guidance.
The workshop ended with a commitment from the NCDMB to continue engaging with communities and helping them take advantage of available opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
