The General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, has identified creativity and innovation as major driving forces in the implementation of local content policy in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He made this known while addressing a capacity audience at the Bayelsa Creatives Converge 2.0 held at the D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Ovom, Yenagoa. He explained that changing the way things were done in the sector required creativity and pragmatism, especially after the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development, NOGICD, Act of 2010.
According to him, the NOGICD Act was designed to reverse decades of near-total dominance of the oil and gas industry by foreign business interests and expertise. He said there was a time when in-country value retention was less than five per cent, and the sector had very little positive impact on other areas of the national economy. Dr. Obinna noted that 15 years after the law came into effect, local content has grown to 56 per cent, which he described as a significant transformation.
He explained that reinventing the sector to maximise Nigerian participation and encourage the use of Nigerian assets had to be pursued with creativity so that investor confidence would be maintained. He said it was important to ensure that operational standards were not compromised in any way that would affect the growth and development of the industry.
Dr. Obinna highlighted that creativity guides the NCDMB’s Human Capital Development programme as the Board regularly identifies skill gaps and the resources needed to address them. He explained that the Board carries out diverse trainings in Nigeria and abroad to improve the quality of the local workforce. He added that the latest initiative under this programme is the Field Readiness Training Programme, under which the Board will train 10,000 young Nigerian graduates in the top-10 high-demand skills in the oil and gas sector, especially in preparation for upcoming major projects.
The CCD boss urged graduates who are 35 years and below and hold qualifications in engineering, geology, and the sciences to visit the Board’s Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content, NOGIC, Job Qualification System, JQS, portal to apply for the opportunity.
He also stated that creativity supports the Board’s efforts to build capacities among indigenous companies through targeted interventions. These include the US$400 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, NCIF, equity participation, and the creation of Project 100 Companies. He noted that through Project 100, the Board, working with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has supported the growth of upstart companies, some of which have now become major players in the industry.
He further explained that innovation guides the Board’s approach in monitoring local content compliance by operators in the oil and gas sector. According to him, the Board acts as a business enabler and works to provide the best conditions for successful operations in the industry. Dr. Obinna also stated that the NCDMB has a corporate policy that supports creative activities, which is seen through its sponsorship of National Undergraduate Essay Competitions, book reading programmes, and similar initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended the convener of the Bayelsa Creatives Converge, Mr. Emma Eco, for providing a platform that encourages productive interactions. He said such gatherings are useful for inspiring young people. Addressing the youths directly, he said, “Your environment shouldn’t limit you… You can achieve success wherever you are.”
Dr. Ogbuku drew attention to recent trends in the technology world and explained how they could benefit young people who aim for genuine success. He praised O.T. Derrick, an ICT expert from Niger Delta University, for offering to train 500 youths in Artificial Intelligence, AI. He pledged financial support for the training and announced that another 500 participants would be added to the programme.
Other speakers at the event included Mr. Asu Ekiye, a gospel singer, Ms. Sarian Martin, a Nollywood actress, and two contemporary artistes, J. Martin and Timi Dakolo.
Earlier in his remarks, the convener, Mr. Emma Eco, said he realised the important role that creatives play as problem solvers and decided to bring them together so they could “marry ideas…and explore areas of possible collaboration.” The Bayelsa Creatives Converge is dedicated to supporting the growth of the creative industry by providing a space for idea exchange, intellectual discussions, and engagement with the wider society.
