Former President Goodluck Jonathan led other awardees as he emerged the Nigerian Content Icon of the Year at the maiden Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, organized by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB) as part of activities marking the 5th edition of Nigeria Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF 2025).
The ceremony held at NCDMB Towers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State also saw other individuals and corporate organizations scooping awards in various categories
In his remarks at the award ceremony, Jonathan went down memory lane, sharing insight into the origin of the Nigerian Content Act, which he signed into law in 2010, while serving as acting president.
He said that “I signed the Nigerian Content Law in April 2010 because I knew it would change the face of the oil industry.
“I had visited China in 2000 and discovered that just two years after discovering oil, they were manufacturing almost everything needed for the sector locally. But in Nigeria, everything had to be imported.”
Jonathan commended former Senator Lee Maeba, who sponsored the Nigerian Content Bill as a private member’s bill, and applauded NCDMB for sustaining the vision.
“The National Assembly then was truly national. They even vetoed the president to pass the NOGICD Act. It’s not just about signing laws, it’s about implementing them with purpose. I thank NCDMB for keeping the flag flying,” Jonathan applauded.
Other category of awards given include, International Upstream Operator of the Year, given to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Independent Upstream Operator of the Year, won by Aradel Holdings Plc, and Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, (NLNG) emerged Midstream Operator of the Year.
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Dangote Industries clinched Downstream Operator of the Year, while Bank of Industry and This day Newspapers emerged Financial Services Provider of the Year and Media Organization of the Year, respectively.
Also honored were Dorman Long Engineering Limited as Indigenous Service Company of the Year and Technip FMC as the International Service Company of the Yea
Prof. Emenike Ejiogu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, received the Innovator of the Year award.
He noted that after spending 25 years researching renewable energy in Japan, he returned to Nigeria to apply his knowledge through partnership with NCDMB.
Mrs. iroghama Ogbeifun of Starzs Gas won the Women in Leadership Award for promoting women empowerment in the industry.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees playing in the oil and gas industry, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Mr. Tony Attah, who was honoured with the Nigerian Content Lifetime Achievement Award dedicated the award to all oil workers working onshore and offshore to move Nigeria’s economy forward.
He further said, “For us in Renaissance, it’s a new beginning. Our vision is to be the leader in Africa’s oil and gas, and it’s important that Nigeria leads”
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, described the event as special, saying it coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
“We ensured a credible, transparent selection process verified by a board of seasoned industry experts,” Ogbe said.
Dignitaries at the event included past and present leaders of NCDMB, industry stakeholders, and government officials.
Organizers pledged to make the awards an annual celebration of those driving local content, innovation, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector