At the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Aso Villa, Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix O. Ogbe, through Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Corporate Services, delivered a strong message on the importance of local content in Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking on the theme “Local Content as a Driver of Economic Transformation,” he stated, “Local content is not a constraint, but a catalyst for industrial growth and self-sufficiency across Africa.”
He highlighted NCDMB’s achievements, including the ban on barite importation to encourage local mining and support mechanized production. He also noted that the steel sector is making progress with indigenous fabrication and infrastructure delivery.
Other key areas include procurement policies now favouring Nigerian-made pipes and components, along with stronger enforcement of the Nigeria First Policy in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
Partnerships with COREN now ensure only certified Nigerian engineers are engaged in projects. He added that the $350 million intervention fund and Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPs) are expanding local industry and creating jobs.
“Let us refine our natural wealth with local expertise and build a globally competitive Africa from within,” he concluded.