The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has restated its commitment to supporting the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) and the newly created Africa Energy Bank (AEB), describing both institutions as vital to the future of Africa’s oil and gas sector.
This assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, during a courtesy visit by APPO’s new Secretary General, Farid Ghezali, at the Board’s Abuja liaison office. Ghezali was accompanied by senior APPO officials, Bakary Traore and Tchananti Sahguir.
The engagement followed Nigeria’s recent handover of the fully established AEB office, clearing the way for the formal launch of the bank by APPO in partnership with Afreximbank. The Africa Energy Bank is expected to play a major role in mobilising funding for oil, gas and broader energy projects across the continent.
Ogbe said the NCDMB is prepared to provide operational assistance to ensure a successful launch of the bank, noting that the initiative aligns with the energy development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri. He stressed that the effectiveness of APPO and the AEB would be critical to sustaining Africa’s energy industry.
In his remarks, Ghezali, who assumed office in January 2026, called for continued collaboration between APPO and NCDMB, citing their long-standing relationship.
He outlined plans to strengthen transparency within APPO, improve financial discipline among member countries, expand membership, and increase subscription levels. He also disclosed that Mauritania is expected to join the organisation, which would further broaden its continental presence.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on governance and credibility.
Ghezali emphasised the need for a clear and transparent process in selecting the governing board of the Africa Energy Bank, as well as strong Know Your Customer (KYC) standards to build trust and inclusiveness among member states.
Both parties explored capacity-building initiatives, including the proposed launch of an interactive platform to showcase certified African companies across key sectors.
Ghezali also suggested leveraging the Nigerian Content Academy to support training and skills development for professionals from APPO member countries. The talks highlighted the importance of harmonising regulations, sharing technical expertise, ensuring fair distribution of project benefits, and promoting regional markets, particularly within West Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Key outcomes of the meeting included plans to roll out the local content platform in the first half of 2026, improve financial accountability, circulate strategic roadmaps to stakeholders, and follow up on outstanding member contributions. Ogbe requested that APPO provide a detailed implementation timeline and an update on the bank’s financial status, with both sides agreeing to hold follow-up meetings to monitor progress.
The discussions ended with renewed commitments to openness, cooperation and shared goals, reinforcing NCDMB’s role in advancing Africa’s energy ambitions through partnerships such as the Africa Energy Bank, which aims to close long-standing financing gaps and support sustainable development across the continent
