The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has honoured 14 of its pioneer management staff with Special Awards of Excellence, citing their role in implementing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 and growing local content to 61 per cent.
The awards were presented at a Retirees’ Celebration Dinner held Friday at the Conference Centre, Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, said the retirees dedicated significant years to the service of the Board and contributed to making NCDMB a leading organisation in the country.
He said their contributions extended beyond their schedules as they “shared knowledge, built relationships, mentored colleagues and contributed to the institutional experience that continues to shape the Board today.”
Delivering his remarks, retired Director, Legal Services, Mohammed Babaginda Umar, Esq, said implementation of the NOGICD Act was initially met with resistance from international oil companies.
Umar said the Legal Directorate deployed tact and engagement to secure compliance, noting that the Act now enjoys wide acceptance and has become a model for other African countries.
Pioneer Director, Planning Research and Statistics and former Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Daziba Patrick Obah, spoke on the construction of the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower and challenges of funding Research and Development at inception.
He noted that the Board successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Research and Development Fair and Conference in Lagos in September 2017.
Former Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Isaac Yalah, said the Board’s commitment to staff development and provision of work tools enhanced productivity. He said the $350 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF) was a game changer for indigenous participation, enabling service companies to acquire critical assets.
According to him, companies such as Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Seplat and Oando now lead indigenous participation in the upstream sector as a result of NCDMB’s interventions.
Former General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Dr. Ginah Otonye Ginah, commended the Board for its investment in human capital and its ICT centres in secondary schools in oil-producing communities.
The retirees honoured also include Dr. Ama Ikuru, Mr. Adelana Akintunde, Dr. Obinna Ofili, Mrs. Angela Okoro, Mr. Taridouye Gagariga, Mr. Ombu Atonbara, Mr. Okpetu Gabriel and Mr. Peter Isu Odo.
