Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was honored with the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards.
The event, held at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was a key feature of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF 2025).
Organized by the NCDMB in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, the ceremony recognized exceptional contributions to local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Jonathan was celebrated for his instrumental role in enacting the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, which established the NCDMB and reshaped the industry by prioritizing local expertise and resources.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed deep humility. “This honor humbles me,” he said. “It reflects our collective vision to empower Nigerians to drive our oil and gas sector. Had we implemented protective laws early in the industry’s history, Nigeria could have achieved far more.”
Reflecting on past challenges, Jonathan noted, “The Mineral Ordinance Law of 1986, the first to govern the oil industry, excluded Nigerian input. By 2000, while nations like China manufactured locally, Nigeria still imported basic components like valves.”
He recalled his swift action as acting president in 2010, signing the NOGICD Act and establishing the NCDMB to ensure its enforcement, a move he described as critical to building local capacity.
Jonathan praised Sen. Lee Maeba, the originator of the NOGICD bill, saying, “He and his team deserve recognition for their transformative work.”
He also commended NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and past leaders for sustaining the Act’s vision. “The NOGICD Act was about leveraging our resources for economic growth,” he said, urging stakeholders to remain committed so all Nigerians can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s prosperity.
NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, in his opening remarks, highlighted the transparent and rigorous selection process. “We’re honoring champions who’ve elevated Nigerian content beyond mere compliance,” he stated. “Using metrics like production output and NOGICD Act adherence, we ensured fairness and merit.”
Ogbe acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support through the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance and praised the advisory board, led by Dr. Ernest Nwapa, for upholding credibility.
Dr. Nwapa, former NCDMB Executive Secretary and advisory board chairman, emphasized the selection process’s integrity. “We chose winners whose impact has redefined our industry,” he said.
“From compliance to capacity building, each awardee represents excellence. Jonathan’s vision through the NOGICD Act laid this foundation.” He called the awards a catalyst for progress, encouraging stakeholders to strengthen local content as a pillar of Nigeria’s growth.
According to Dr.Nwapa, the ceremony celebrated achievements across various categories, also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the NOGICD Act.
He noted that, Corporate winners received plaques and had their names displayed for two years on the Wall of Fame at the Nigerian Content Tower, with seminar rooms named in their honor. Individual awardees also received plaques, Wall of Fame recognition, and invitations to NCDMB’s flagship events for a year.
Among the winners, Shell Petroleum Development Company (now Renaissance) was named Nigerian Content International Upstream Operator of the Year, Aradel Holdings took Independent Upstream Operator of the Year, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) won Midstream Operator of the Year, and Dangote Refinery secured Downstream Operator of the Year.
The Bank of Industry was honored as Financial Service Provider of the Year, while Dorman Long and Daewoo/Halliburton were recognized as Indigenous and International Service Companies of the Year, respectively.
Thisday newspaper won Nigerian Content Media Organisation of the Year, with Professor Emenike Ejiogu named Nigerian Content Innovator of the Year and Iroghama Ogbeifun receiving the Women in Leadership Award for Promoting Women Empowerment.
Photos from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Opportunity Presentation Sessions at the 2025 Nigerian oil and gas opportunity fair (NOGOF) featuring key industry stakeholders and vendors.
Earlier in the day two of the opportunity presentation sessions at the Nigerian Oil and gas opportunity fair(NOGOF 2025).Panelists shared insights on emerging opportunities within the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry in the years ahead. They delivered presentations outlining specific prospects and key areas where service companies and vendors can actively participate and add value to the sector.
