Senate Committee on Local Content Begins Oversight Visit to NCDMB
The Senate Committee on Local Content, led by its Chairman, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has commenced an official oversight visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The visit, which began on Thursday, is aimed at evaluating the Board’s compliance with and implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
The oversight mission comes as part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to assess the effectiveness of government institutions and ensure that strategic objectives—especially those tied to local content—are being met in Nigeria’s critical oil and gas sector.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Joel-Onowakpo emphasized the critical role of local content in stimulating national economic growth, boosting job creation, and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
“Our oversight role is not just a formality. We are here to ensure that the NCDMB is not only compliant with legislative expectations but is also fulfilling its mission of empowering Nigerian professionals and businesses in the oil and gas sector,” the senator said.
He stressed that the Senate remains committed to strengthening institutions that drive local participation in key industries and would continue to monitor their progress closely.
As part of the visit, the committee toured the 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower, the ultra-modern headquarters of the NCDMB.
The iconic structure is a symbol of the Board’s ambition to position Nigeria as a hub of excellence and innovation in the energy sector.
The facility houses key departments responsible for policy design, compliance monitoring, project certification, and stakeholder engagement—functions that are critical in ensuring that Nigerian operators are prioritized in oil and gas value chains.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, welcomed the Senate delegation and presented a detailed account of the Board’s achievements.
He highlighted landmark initiatives such as the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCIF), which has supported numerous indigenous companies with access to low-interest loans, and capacity development programs designed to train Nigerian engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made in deepening Nigerian content in upstream and midstream operations. However, we also recognize the need for continued collaboration with lawmakers and industry stakeholders to scale our impact,” Mr. Wabote stated.
He also mentioned recent partnerships with private and public sector entities to drive investments in local fabrication, modular refining, and human capital development.
The oversight visit is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report to the National Assembly, outlining observations, commendations, and areas needing improvement. The report will guide future legislative actions and policy adjustments to reinforce local content laws and enhance their implementation.
The visit underscores the Senate’s support for the federal government’s drive toward economic diversification, using local content policy as a catalyst. By empowering Nigerian professionals, creating jobs, and building industrial capacity, the NCDMB is seen as a model for regulatory excellence in resource governance.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas concluded the visit by reiterating the committee’s resolve to continue engaging constructively with institutions like the NCDMB to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
