The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is set to launch a new procurement policy called the Nigeria First Procurement Policy aimed at increasing local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Speaking at the 24th Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, said the policy will give priority to goods and services produced or readily available in Nigeria. Foreign options will only be considered if there is a clear lack of local capacity.
Ogbe noted that the new policy is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sufficiency by encouraging the use of locally sourced inputs across the oil and gas value chain. The goal is to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign products and create more jobs and investment opportunities within Nigeria.
To support the policy, the board plans to conduct a baseline study to assess the capacity of Nigerian companies currently supplying goods and services to the industry. This will help identify which local businesses can meet industry standards and supply demands.
Ogbe emphasized that the Nigeria First policy is in line with Section 3(1) of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which requires that Nigerian goods and services be given first consideration in industry projects. He added that NCDMB is already adjusting its internal processes to align with the new policy and will apply it in reviewing content plans and compliance certifications.
The theme of the event was “Achieving Energy Sufficiency through Local Content Implementation,” highlighting the importance of building strong domestic capacity to ensure Nigeria’s energy security.