Nigeria has recorded 61 per cent local content implementation under its current Nigerian Content Strategic Roadmap as increasing investment in the oil and gas sector creates new opportunities for indigenous businesses.
The roadmap, which was introduced to guide local participation in the industry, is scheduled to run until 2027, with the country targeting 70 per cent local content.
The progress and the next phase of the policy will be discussed at the 15th Practical Nigerian Content Forum, scheduled for November 30 to December 3, 2026, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event is being organised by dmg Nigeria events in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.
The forum will bring together government officials, regulators, international oil companies and indigenous operators to examine how Nigeria can expand local participation as investment in the energy sector increases.
Organisers said the discussions will focus on four major areas: access to finance, project opportunities, development of Nigerian Content, and policy and legislation.
For indigenous companies, access to funding remains important as businesses seek to move beyond smaller contracts and participate in more complex projects across the oil and gas value chain.
Participants are also expected to examine procurement practices, supplier development and other ways of creating more opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The forum will further look at how existing regulations can adapt to new technologies, changing market conditions and investor requirements while maintaining local participation and encouraging investment.
The push comes as activity in Nigeria’s upstream sector increases, with projects such as Shell’s $2bn HI Field and the $5bn Bonga North development adding to investment opportunities.
The transfer of some oil assets from international companies to Nigerian operators is also creating opportunities for indigenous firms to assume greater roles in exploration and production.
The organisers said Nigeria’s experience with local content has attracted interest from other African countries seeking to strengthen domestic participation in their energy industries.
The forum is therefore expected to examine how the gains recorded under the current roadmap can be consolidated and expanded after 2027.
Portfolio and Country Director of dmg Nigeria events, Wemimo Oyelana, said the industry now needs to focus on the requirements of the next stage of local content development as the existing roadmap approaches its end.
He said the next phase should address areas including financing, project execution and policy frameworks needed to deepen the gains already recorded.
The event will feature leadership panels, executive debates, a town hall meeting, technical breakout sessions and a platform for announcements and partnerships.
Among those expected to participate are NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe, Shell Nigeria’s Elohor Aiboni, TotalEnergies Nigeria Country Chairman Matthieu Bouyer, Chevron Nigeria-Mid-Africa Chairman Jim Swartz, ExxonMobil executives, PETAN Chairman Wole Ogunsanya and representatives of oil and gas industry associations.
