The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company formed a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to advance local content implementation at the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.
The event, held at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, highlighted a shared vision for enhancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through localized expertise and resources.
The ceremony, led by NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe and Chief Edwin Devakumar, Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Group, included signing the JTC’s Terms of Reference, a tour of the refinery’s key facilities, and the official launch of the committee’s duties.
Engr. Ogbe celebrated the refinery, alongside its petrochemical and fertilizer plants, as a monumental achievement for Nigeria and Africa, enabled by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010.
He emphasized its role in securing energy supplies and boosting West Africa’s access to refined products, stating, “This is Nigeria’s pride; we must ensure its success and sustainability.”
Ogbe stressed adherence to the NOGICD Act’s Sections 32 and 33, mandating NCDMB oversight of expatriate hires and prioritizing local talent.
He praised Dangote’s training of Nigerian engineers and called for expanded opportunities in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also urged support for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGaPS), designed to promote local manufacturing and job creation through industrial parks.
A key moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the Nigerian Content Downstream Operator of the Year Award, won by Dangote Refinery at the May 2025 Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, to Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group. He expressed delight at the recognition, noting he would proudly display the certificate in his office.
In his speech, Chief Edwin Devakumar, Group Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Group, highlighted the deep-rooted collaboration with NCDMB that has driven local content during the refinery’s construction phase.
“Our partnership with NCDMB has been instrumental in embedding local expertise and resources into this monumental project,” he said, acknowledging the board’s guidance while noting areas for further progress.
He emphasized the refinery’s role in advancing Nigeria’s industrial capacity, stating, “As a proudly Nigerian company, we are committed to fostering local content while maintaining entrepreneurial efficiency to deliver value for Nigeria.”
Chief Devakumar underscored the Dangote Group’s broader vision for national development, stressing its focus on sustainable growth.
“We aim to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape by prioritizing local talent and resources, ensuring this refinery serves as a catalyst for economic progress,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to balancing cost optimization with robust local content practices, aligning with national goals for capacity building and economic empowerment.
The JTC, officially launched during the event, is tasked with ensuring the use of local manpower, services, and materials in compliance with the NOGICD Act.
The committee will guide the refinery’s operations to align with regulatory standards, maximizing economic benefits.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, NCDMB’s Director of Corporate Services and JTC chair, thanked the leadership of both organizations for their commitment to local content.
He affirmed the committee’s resolve to enforce robust local content standards, ensuring that the refinery’s operations deliver measurable economic benefits for Nigeria through the strategic use of local resources and talent.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
 and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Company formed a Joint Tech...){kind=link}