The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery have formed a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to deepen local content integration as the refinery moves into full operation.

The committee was officially launched at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, on Tuesday. The partnership is designed to ensure that Nigerian workers, companies, and expertise take center stage in running the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, touted as the world’s largest single-train facility.

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, praised the refinery project as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa, noting that it aligns with the goals of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010. He stressed the importance of local job protection and urged strict adherence to regulations requiring NCDMB’s approval before hiring expatriates.

As part of the visit, the NCDMB also presented Dangote Refinery with the award for Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year. Aliko Dangote received the certificate and expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Ogbe also encouraged the company to support the NCDMB’s Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS), an initiative aimed at helping local manufacturers and small businesses thrive near oil and gas hubs.

Dangote Group’s Oil and Gas Vice President, Chief Edwin Devakumar, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to local content, saying the partnership with NCDMB began during the construction phase and will continue to grow.

The new committee is expected to play a key role in ensuring the refinery operates in line with Nigeria’s broader goals for job creation, skills development, and industrial growth.