On Tuesday, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company launched a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State. This group aims to promote local content in the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery’s operations. The event marks a key step in their partnership to grow Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony, led by NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe and Dangote Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Chief Edwin Devakumar, included signing the committee’s Terms of Reference. Guests toured the refinery and its facilities. The event also celebrated Dangote Refinery’s Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year Award, won in May. Engr. Ogbe presented the certificate to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was thrilled and promised to display it proudly.
A Milestone for Nigeria
Engr. Ogbe called the refinery a historic achievement for Nigeria and Africa. It supports the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010. The refinery will improve Nigeria’s energy security and supply refined products across West Africa. “Nigerians must own, secure, and maintain this plant,” Ogbe said. He stressed using local workers and getting NCDMB approval for foreign staff, as required by the Act. He praised Dangote for hiring and training Nigerian engineers.
Support for Local Growth
Ogbe asked Dangote Refinery to back the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS). This NCDMB project helps small businesses near oil fields with manufacturing and research. “These parks will create jobs and boost local content,” he said.
Dangote’s Commitment
Chief Devakumar thanked NCDMB for their support during the refinery’s construction. He noted their focus on local content while keeping costs low. “As a Nigerian company, we prioritize national development,” he said. The Dangote Group aims to strengthen Nigeria’s industries.
Committee’s Role
The JTC, led by NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, will ensure the refinery uses Nigerian workers, services, and materials, following the Act. Halilu thanked both organizations and promised the committee would work hard to benefit Nigeria’s economy.
