Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has revealed the key drivers of AfCFTA in the Nigerian oil and gas Industry at the 2026 AfCFTA summit hosted by the Board, PETAN and legal Concierge themed ‘Unlocking Africa’s Energy future through ACFTA’.
In his keynote address, he gave details explaining that in conceiving Agenda 2063 which gave birth to ACFTA, the African Union had the overarching objective of fostering regional integration through Trade, innovation and free movement of people and capital.
While noting that in Nigeria, the oil and gas industry embraced ACFTA and developed a framework for domesticating the policy in 2022, he added that implementing ACFTA in the Nigerian oil and gas industry was anchored on 3 broad pillars – opportunities identification, capacity development and capacity exportation
“Opportunities identification – Nigeria’s strength lies in formidable supply chain in oil field services, refining capacity, oil field logistics base, gas supply pipeline, and pool of qualified oil field technical workforce,
“Capacity development – Nigerian’s oil and gas industry through the local content law has developed capabilities in the oil and gas value chain spanning marine vessel asset ownership, fabrication, assembly and installation of production system including Xmas trees, pressure vessels, pumps,
“Capacity exportation is the next frontier and the reason for convening this summit, to ask critical questions
- How can cables produced in Nigeria benefit from preferential trade terms in Angola?
- What are the compliance requirements for a sacrificial anode producer in Nigeria, to meet the rule of origin requirement to export anodes to Algeria for protection and longevity of pipeline, storage tank, offshore platforms etc
iii. How can Tema shipyard in Ghana be designated the vessel construction, assembly and repairs hub for Africa;
- Is there a unified work permit and visa that will enable a welder in Senegal to be engaged in Arlec Engineering Works Johannesburg South Africa, for fabrication of heat exchangers, storage tanks, pressure vessels etc.
- How can ACFTA’s 1.4 billion population and $3 trillion economy achieve a strategic shift from fragmented economies towards a globally competitive supply chain system
- With expanded refining capabilities in Dangote Refinery, laying of continental gas transmission pipelines, establishment of industrial parks and other support infrastructure what other support levers are required to achieve energy security and self-sufficiency for Africa?
vii. How can Africa leverage its vast mineral resources including copper, iron ore, petrochemical, for domestic production of hardware such as Christmas tree, thus shifting away from exporting raw minerals?
He explained that “This summit is structured to mobilize regulatory agencies, project promoters, financial institutions, and academia to provide needed insights towards
- Deepening collaboration on intra-Africa trade opportunities,
- The case for a unified code of standards for professional qualification, services & manufactured goods
iii. Expanding the frontiers of technology development & innovation,
- Institutionalizing measurements and evaluation of the impact of ACFTA implementation on Africa’s balance of trade
- Understanding customs oversight on determination and issuance of rule of origin certificate
The ES expressed hope that “Without doubt the caliber of distinguished professionals seated here offer hope that this summit will provide the needed insights to shape implementation of AfCFTA in the Nigerian oil and gas sector for our collective regional prosperity”.
