The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has taken steps to strengthen ties with Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in a bid to boost Nigeria's oil and gas industry. According to NCDMB's Director, Project Certification and Authorisation Division, Austin Uzoka, the board has engaged more than 100 Chinese OEMs. This move aims to attract investment, technology, and manufacturing capacity into the country.
Uzoka made this disclosure at the 15th China Shale Oil and Gas Summit in Chengdu, China, representing NCDMB's Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe. The summit, which took place from September 20 to 23, provided a platform for Nigerian oil and gas stakeholders to showcase investment opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and oil and gas services. The NCDMB is seeking to evolve the relationship between Nigerian oil and gas operators and Chinese manufacturers beyond the conventional buyer-seller model.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act guarantees patronage for oil and gas equipment manufacturing facilities established in Nigeria. This, Uzoka noted, could provide access to opportunities across the Gulf of Guinea. He encouraged Chinese companies to view Nigeria as a strategic investment destination, a platform for manufacturing and technology development, and a gateway to opportunities across the wider African market.
The NCDMB official highlighted the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme as a platform for Chinese OEMs to establish manufacturing, assembly, and service operations in Nigeria. This scheme would provide opportunities for technology transfer, technical arrangements, and the integration of Nigerian businesses into the supply chains of Chinese companies. China’s capabilities in manufacturing, engineering, technology, and energy infrastructure were identified as areas that could support Nigeria’s industrial development.
Uzoka noted that Nigeria's local content policy had evolved significantly since the local content law was enacted in 2010. The policy has shifted from increasing Nigerian participation in oil and gas projects to a broader industrial development agenda focused on manufacturing, technology ownership, and global competitiveness. This evolution aims to build capabilities, deepen manufacturing, promote technology ownership, and position Nigerian businesses to compete within regional and global markets.
Several Chinese OEMs expressed interest in exploring business relationships with Nigerian companies and participating in the country’s growing oil and gas manufacturing ecosystem. The NCDMB also used the exhibition to provide prospective investors and industry players with information on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, local content opportunities, and avenues for establishing operations in the country.
The engagement formed part of Nigeria’s participation in the 15th China Shale Oil and Gas Summit. The NCDMB's focus is to move the local content agenda from participation to capability, manufacturing, and ultimately technology ownership and regional competitiveness. The board's efforts aim to expand Nigeria’s international industrial connections and advance the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
Key points
- The NCDMB has engaged over 100 Chinese original equipment manufacturers to attract investment and technology into Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
- The Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme provides opportunities for Chinese OEMs to establish manufacturing, assembly, and service operations in Nigeria.
- Nigeria's local content policy has evolved to focus on manufacturing, technology ownership, and global competitiveness.
