Nigeria's local content drive is gaining momentum as upstream investment in the country increases, with local operators taking over divested assets and the country moving towards its 70% local content target. The current Nigerian Content Strategic Roadmap, which runs from 2017 to 2027, has achieved 61% local content, according to the organisers of the Practical Nigerian Content Forum. This development has brought renewed attention to the capacity gaps and priorities that will shape Nigerian Content implementation beyond 2027.
The next phase of Nigeria's local content drive will be discussed at the 15th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Forum, scheduled to be held from November 30 to December 3, 2026, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The forum, organised by dmg Nigeria events in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, will bring together government, regulators, operators, and indigenous businesses to discuss priorities for Nigerian Content implementation beyond the current roadmap.
The forum will focus on four key areas: mobilising capital, project opportunities, advancing Nigerian Content, and policy and legislation. Discussions will examine access to capital, financial partnerships, and financing solutions that can enable indigenous companies to compete, scale, and deliver more complex projects. Stakeholders will also examine procurement strategies, supplier development initiatives, and other measures aimed at expanding commercial opportunities across the energy value chain.
The forum will feature five formats, including Strategic Leadership Panels, Executive Debates, a Town Hall session, Breakout Sessions, and a Local Content Impact Stage. Strategic Leadership Panels will bring together CEOs, government leaders, and decision-makers to discuss policies, investments, and partnerships shaping Nigeria's energy value chain. Executive Debates will feature senior industry leaders discussing critical issues and different perspectives.
Speakers and participants at the forum include Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board; Elohor Aiboni, EVP & Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria; Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chairman & MD, TotalEnergies Nigeria; Jim Swartz, Chairman & MD, Chevron Nigeria Mid-Africa Business Unit; and Jagir Baxi, Chairman & MD, ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria. Other notable participants include Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman, PETAN; Chris Osarumwense, President, Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria; and senior NCDMB directors.
The forum comes as upstream investment in Nigeria rises, with major projects including Shell's $2bn HI Field and the $5bn Bonga North project, while local operators continue to take over divested assets. The organisers said other African countries are also looking to replicate Nigeria's local content experience. As Nigeria's local content roadmap approaches its conclusion, PNC 2026 will focus on the priorities, partnerships, and policy direction that will shape the next decade of implementation.
Portfolio & Country Director, dmg Nigeria events, Wemimo Oyelana, said the industry needed to shift its focus towards the requirements of the next phase. He stated that 15 years of Nigerian Content implementation have demonstrated what sustained policy, regulatory commitment, and industry collaboration can achieve, and that the conversation must now move beyond measuring progress to defining what the next decade requires.
Key points
- Nigeria has achieved 61% local content so far, with the goal of reaching 70% by 2027.
