The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has urged oil-producing nations across Africa to invest more in manufacturing as a way to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and build stronger local content capacity.

This appeal was made at the 2025 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek, where NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe represented by Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu explained that developing a solid manufacturing base would give African countries the skills and expertise needed to compete globally.

He suggested that each nation should focus on specific areas of oil and gas manufacturing, similar to how the aviation industry divides aircraft production among different manufacturers. Such collaboration, he said, would allow African countries to trade among themselves and collectively develop complex oil and gas equipment.

Ogbe also emphasized that local content should not be treated as charity but as a sustainable business model. He noted that regulations must apply equally to all companies and that success requires long-term commitment, inclusiveness, and consistency.

Using Nigeria as an example, the Board highlighted achievements in building fabrication yards, expanding human capital, supporting service providers, and developing capacity for complex offshore projects. It also pointed to new initiatives in gas-based industrialization, equipment assembly, and technology transfer.

NCDMB further stressed the importance of research, partnerships, job creation, and government support to strengthen Africa’s oil and gas industry. Nigeria, the Board assured, is ready to collaborate with Namibia and other countries to ensure the sector delivers prosperity for Africans.