The Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for successfully hosting an interactive engagement with media stakeholders and youth groups.
The engagement held yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, provided a robust platform for deepening understanding of NCDMB’s mandate, clarifying misconceptions, and highlighting the achievements under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Felix Ogbe, the Director of Corporate Services, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, revealed that the board has fully automated its processes to deliver faster and more efficient services.
He disclosed that stakeholders no longer need to travel to Bayelsa State for permits or certifications, as all processes from contract processing and non-governmental organisations funding to vendor categorization are now automated.
Alhaji Halilu explained that such efficiency has earned the NCDMB the number one ranking in the ease of doing business for consecutive years.
Speaking further, he said “The oil and gas industrial parks are over 90% completed, and once commissioned, these parks will drastically reduce start-up costs by offering shared facilities, lowering per-capita operational expenses, and creating both direct and indirect jobs for Nigerian youths”
Explaining further, he said the NCDMB supports indigenous refining and gas utilization, citing Watersmith Refinery, Butane Energy, Beta Gas, and the soon-to-commence Azikel Refinery, alongside the board’s expanding role in global content and the pan-African agenda.
During his presentation, the acting Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Silas Ajimejaye, focused on the board’s performance, monitoring strategies, and accountability mechanisms.
Similarly, Mr. Tareowei Bufazi, the acting Deputy Manager, Human Capital Division, Capacity Building Directorate, outlined the NCDMB’s youth and women empowerment programs, skills development initiatives, and capacity-building opportunities for Niger Delta youths.
The interactive sessions allowed participants to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and receive direct responses from NCDMB officials.
In his brief, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to continuous stakeholder collaboration.
According to him, the board which has it’s mandate is not an interventionist agency, but operates strictly under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
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“Our mandate is focused on creating opportunities through capacity building, local content enforcement, industry linkages, and job creation,” he said.
On the board’s partnership with the media, the board announced sustained collaboration with the media to drive awareness, counter misinformation, and highlight opportunities in local content.
Reacting after the event, Kennedy West, National President of MOSIEND, expressed satisfaction with the NCDMB’s openness and inclusivity in engaging critical stakeholders.
“The focus on youth capacity building, women empowerment, and transparent communication aligns with our long-standing advocacy for equitable opportunities in the region”
“We particularly applaud the assurance of continuous engagements across Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, as well as initiatives to expose the media and youths to live oil and gas project sites,” he said.
MOSIEND reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the NCDMB and other stakeholders to ensure that Niger Delta people especially youths and women fully benefit from the Llcal content agenda.
We believe that today’s engagement is a clear demonstration of commitment to inclusiveness, empowerment, and sustainable development in our region,” West added.
