NCDMB Will Continue To Champion Local Content, Support Young Entrepreneurs-ES

By John Odhe

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says it will continue to champion local content, support young entrepreneurs, and work with partners to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in this evolving global market.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe gave the assurance on Tuesday during the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content Youth Forum organized by the board in Yenagoa , Bayelsa State with the theme: Building Youth Capacity, Security Investment, Sustaining Growth in the Oil and Gas Industry.  

Represented by the Head of Government Relations, Teddy Bai, the Executive Secretary said over the years, NCDMB has invested heavily in human capacity development, entrepreneurship programmes, technical training, and targeted youth initiatives, adding that those investments were not symbolic but strategic.

He said "Our goal is simple: To build a competent, globally competitive Nigerian workforce that drives in-country value creation across the entire energy sector. At this event, you will hear from experts across regulatory agencies, academia, security institutions, and industry partners. 

The ES noted that the PNC programme was a "pathway for youth participation in the oil and gas value chain and skills that will shape the future of work in energy. How to register on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) Upcoming NCDMB training and capacity-building opportunities.The importance of responsible conduct and community protection. We encourage every participant here today to REGISTER on the NOGICJQS."

Addressing pipeline vandalism and community security issues, the ES said "we cannot discuss youth engagement without addressing the growing challenge of pipeline vandalism and restiveness that destroy our environment, discourage investment, and opportunities for legitimate youth empowerment.

"Let me clearly state:The Nigerian youth must be champions of protection- not destruction- of the national assets. 

"As the global energy landscape shifts toward renewable and low-carbon technologies, Nigeria is also preparing for a diversified and sustainable future. 

"In this future: Young innovators will create energy solutions for rural communities. Local technology startups will support oil and gas operations.

"Trained artisans and technicians will build infrastructure for gas-based industrialization. Engineers, data analysts, and environmental specialists will lead new projects. We must equip ourselves today for the opportunities of tomorrow.

"NCDMB will continue to champion local content, support young entrepreneurs, and work with partners to ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in this evolving global market.

"To the youth gathered here today, I leave you with this challenge: Be intentional. Be curious. 

"Be disciplined and most importantly -be ready. Opportunities will come-many are already here. But only those who prepare, who learn, who engage positively, and who position themselves strategically will take full advantage.

"NCDMB stands ready to support you, guide you, and empower you toward a better future."

The Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by the Director General, Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development Comrade Robert Igali, thanked the NCDMB for channeling the minds of the youths towards keying into the gains of the oil and gas sector, adding that it was in line with the youth development agenda of the present prosperity government.

In a keynote address, the former Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS) Mr. Matthew Seiyefa urged youths of the Niger Delta to think beyond being surveillance contractors and workers and strive to be key actors in the oil and gas industry by acquiring relevant skills.