The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has called for stronger Pan-African local content collaboration to unlock Africa’s industrial potential, diversify economies and create greater value within the continent’s oil and gas industry. The call was made during a strategic engagement on African Local Content Opportunities and cross-border partnerships at the 2026 Namibian Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC).
Representing the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu said African countries must move beyond individual local content policies and begin leveraging their combined capabilities. He said harmonising regulations, strengthening skills development, promoting knowledge transfer and encouraging partnerships between African businesses could significantly increase local participation and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.
Halilu pointed to Nigeria’s local content experience as an example of what strategic implementation can achieve. He highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, noting that data-driven monitoring, supplier development, compliance systems and targeted investments have helped strengthen indigenous participation and improve competitiveness. He also identified fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, subsea services, marine operations and project execution as areas where African businesses already possess capabilities that can be deployed across borders.
According to him, the next phase of African local content development should focus on practical business-to-business partnerships that allow companies from different countries to jointly secure and execute major energy projects. Proposed models include prime-subcontractor arrangements, incorporated joint ventures, consortium bids and reciprocal market-access alliances. He added that achieving an integrated local content ecosystem would require cooperation in areas such as trade, customs, immigration, financing and regulatory alignment, while a Pan-African supplier database could help connect businesses with opportunities across the continent.
Halilu stressed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides an important framework for expanding these opportunities, but said stronger implementation and cooperation will be critical. Meanwhile, NCDMB Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Esueme Dan Kikile, used the conference to highlight global best practices in supplier development, skills transfer and in-country value creation. During an exhibition tour, Namibia’s Vice President, Mrs. Lucia Witbooi, visited the NCDMB stand, where Kikile further highlighted Nigeria’s local content journey and the importance of regional knowledge-sharing in building a stronger and more sustainable African energy sector.
