Nigeria has taken another major step toward deepening local participation in the oil and gas sector as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) confirmed the disbursement of $42 million to small and medium enterprises. This funding, which exceeds the original $30 million allocation, is aimed at boosting indigenous capacity, improving competitiveness and supporting long-term growth for local businesses operating in the energy industry.
According to officials, the initiative aligns directly with the agenda of the upcoming Practical Nigerian Content Forum 2025, which is set to hold in December at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa. The forum will run under the theme “Securing Investments, Strengthening Local Content, and Scaling Energy Production,” a focus designed to advance collaboration, promote sustainable development and accelerate Nigeria’s energy sector performance. Organisers described the 14th edition of the programme as a series of impact-driven high-level panel discussions.
Key panel topics include “Streamlining Project Delivery for Improved Efficiency,” which will look at the enablers needed to unlock investment and speed up project execution. Another session titled “Nigeria’s First Policy” is expected to assess progress 15 years after the NOGICD Act and examine how the Nigeria First Policy can deliver broader economic value.
The discussion on “Turning Domestic Strength into Global Leadership” will explore ways Nigeria can build strong centres of excellence, while the session on “Driving Energy Growth Through Technology and Innovation” will highlight how digitalisation, automation, gas-powered solutions and decarbonisation technologies can enhance competitiveness and support localisation.
PNC Forum 2025 aims to establish actionable strategies for creating a more resilient and competitive energy industry. More than 750 delegates across the oil, gas and wider energy value chain are expected to attend, alongside over 50 industry experts, policymakers, business executives and regulators. Confirmed speakers include Sen. Joel Onowakpo Thomas, Hon Boma Goodhead, H.E. Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, H.E. Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, H.E. Sen. John Owan Enoh, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Olu A. Verheijen, Nasir Alfa Mohammed, Ahmed Galadima Amiu and Matthieu Bouyer.
Others listed are Jim Swartz, Jagir Baxi, Ronald Adams, Adegbite Falade, Roger Thompson Brown, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chris Osarumwense, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Dr. Olasupo Olusi and Abubakar A. Bello.
Speaking on the significance of the 2025 edition, Olamide Oloko, Conference Producer at dmg Nigeria events, stated, “As the industry evolves, we must continue to create spaces that drive transformation through meaningful dialogue, innovation and partnerships. This is why the Practical Nigerian Content Forum remains a key platform for collaboration and progress within the energy sector. This year’s theme is designed to reaffirm our shared commitment to positioning Nigeria as a competitive and attractive destination for investment, while advancing the true intent of the NOGICD Act and the Executive Orders to catalyse sustainable growth across the energy value chain.”
As Nigeria marks 15 years of the NOGICD Act, organisers say PNC 2025 will serve as a strategic gathering point for industry players by strengthening collaboration, partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The forum is expected to outline a clear roadmap for long-term growth and transformation in the nation’s energy sector, with an emphasis on generating measurable impact and sustained value both within Nigeria and in the wider global energy landscape.
