Lagos, Nigeria – June 2025 — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Company have formally inaugurated a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to drive the implementation of local content during the operational phase of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery.
The official launch, held at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, marks a strategic milestone in enhancing industry collaboration and reinforcing local capacity building within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem.
The ceremony was presided over by NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, alongside Chief Edwin Devakumar, Group Vice President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Group. Key highlights included the endorsement of the Committee’s Terms of Reference, a tour of the state-of-the-art refinery complex, and the formal commencement of the Committee’s mandate.
In recognition of its commitment to local participation, Dangote Refinery was also presented with the Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year award by NCDMB. The award, which was conferred at the recent Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, was handed directly to Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, who welcomed the accolade with pride.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ogbe applauded Dangote Group for developing the world’s largest single-train refinery and additional petrochemical and fertilizer plants, calling them “landmark achievements” for Nigeria and the African continent at large.
He emphasized that the success of the refinery underscores the potential of indigenous investment in the energy sector and aligns with the vision of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
“This plant represents a new era in energy independence for Nigeria. At full capacity, it will help secure fuel supply across the West African sub-region,” Ogbe noted. “It is essential that Nigerians take ownership — not just in terms of patriotism, but through jobs, technical participation, and sustained maintenance.”
The Executive Secretary stressed the importance of adhering to provisions in Sections 32 and 33 of the NOGICD Act, which mandate local manpower utilization and NCDMB approval before hiring expatriates.
He added, “No expatriate is allowed employment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector without our consent. We will ensure jobs for Nigerians and promote upskilling through partnerships like this.”
The NCDMB also urged the refinery to back its Oil and Gas Industrial Parks Scheme (NOGaPS) — an initiative designed to promote fabrication, research, and component manufacturing close to oil production zones. The goal is to create a vibrant environment for SMEs and enhance the local supply chain.
“Dangote’s support in developing these industrial parks will be invaluable. It’s a direct way to generate employment, increase domestic manufacturing, and improve sectoral efficiency,” Ogbe said.
In response, Chief Edwin Devakumar acknowledged the productive engagement between NCDMB and the Dangote project team during the refinery’s construction phase. He praised the Board’s guidance and emphasized the company’s dual focus on cost-efficiency and indigenous participation.
“As a Nigerian business, our core commitment is to local content. We’ve done a lot so far, but there’s still room for greater impact, and we are grateful to NCDMB for the continued partnership,” he stated.
The ceremony concluded with the official induction of Committee members, led by Abdulmalik Halilu, NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services. The Committee’s mandate includes ensuring that Nigerian professionals, contractors, and materials are utilized in refinery operations, in accordance with Section 3 of the NOGICD Act.
Halilu reaffirmed the Committee’s resolve to enforce high standards and deliver tangible benefits to the Nigerian economy through its oversight.
“This collaboration will serve as a blueprint for integrating local content into large-scale industrial operations. We are committed to measurable results,” he said.
