The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and energy experts have emphasized the need for greater adoption of artificial intelligence, AI, to boost gas production, create jobs, and strengthen local businesses in Nigeria. This call was made at the 2026 Emogas International Natural Gas-Based Industry Conference and Exhibition, EINGICE, held in Abuja. The experts stressed the importance of transforming Nigeria's gas resources into industries, technology, and economic opportunities.
According to Mr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, the board is supporting local companies through funding, technology development, and training. The Nigerian Content Intervention Fund provides financing options to help indigenous companies acquire equipment, develop facilities, and expand their operations. Ogbe emphasized that funding must lead to stronger businesses, better technology, job creation, and increased capacity to compete in international markets.
The NCDMB is also supporting young innovators through its Technology Innovation and Research Centre, which helps turn ideas into products that can solve industry problems. This initiative aims to develop homegrown energy technologies and position Nigerian businesses for wider African and international markets. The board's efforts are geared towards ensuring that local companies can compete globally.
Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, noted that gas industrialization requires investment in infrastructure, clear regulations, and cooperation across the value chain. He emphasized the need for reliable gas supply, conversion centres, refuelling stations, and skilled workers to expand the use of compressed natural gas and create business opportunities.
Bassey Rex, Chief Executive Officer of Africenergy Energy and Infrastructure Limited, urged government agencies and industry operators to give local technology developers access to data and facilities to test their solutions. He stressed that AI projects must address specific industry challenges, undergo proper testing, and demonstrate measurable results before they are adopted commercially.
Dr. Stella Okene, Group Chief Executive Officer of Stelog Energy Group Limited, highlighted the potential of AI in improving drilling, predicting equipment failures, reducing downtime, and increasing gas production. She noted that Africa has over 800 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves but needs to improve production through technology, research, and local expertise.
The experts agreed that Nigeria must move beyond local participation to developing and owning technology that can compete globally. Stronger collaboration among government, industry, researchers, and entrepreneurs is necessary to position Nigerian businesses for wider African and international markets. The conference also featured the presentation of awards to PTDF and their partners.
Key points
- Experts call for greater adoption of AI to boost gas production and strengthen local businesses.
- NCDMB supports local companies through funding, technology development, and training.
- Collaboration among government, industry, researchers, and entrepreneurs is necessary to position Nigerian businesses for global markets.
