Nigeria's local content attainment nearly 50%

Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, is making significant strides in local content development and gas utilization, with the government spearheading initiatives to boost domestic gas consumption. Symbiu Wabboete, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), shared insights in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's gas-a-king Obakeya. Wabboete highlighted the government's commitment to achieving nearly 50% local content attainment, particularly emphasizing the 'Decade of Gas' initiative as a pivotal strategy. The declaration of the Decade of Gas has raised awareness about gas as a transition fuel in Nigeria, with a remarkable increase in domestic LPG consumption from less than 300 tons to almost a million tons in a short period. This surge in gas utilization is a testament to the success of the government's efforts. Wabboete underscored the importance of partnerships to drive the gas agenda, with 75% of NCDMB's collaborations focused on gas-related projects. From collaborations with Brass Fertilizer for a methanol plant to supporting LPG storage and distribution projects in several states, NCDMB is at the forefront of catalyzing gas development in Nigeria. The executive secretary also highlighted the board's innovative approach by utilizing gas-fired generators at their head office, showcasing their commitment to sustainable energy practices. Looking ahead, Wabboete outlined key objectives for 2023, including the completion of ongoing projects and the transformation of Yenagua into a hub for conferences and seminars. The operationalization of industrial parks and the development of manufacturing capacity are essential elements of NCDMB's strategy to reduce dependence on imported products and retain foreign exchange within the country. Through successful interventions like the modular refinery project with Walter Smith, NCDMB has demonstrated the potential of local content development to spur economic growth and create value for stakeholders. The government's push for refinery operations, including the Dangote Refinery set to come online, is poised to further enhance Nigeria's manufacturing sector and boost self-sufficiency in energy production. The interview with Symbiu Wabboete shed light on Nigeria's progress in local content development and the transformative impact of the Decade of Gas initiative on the country's energy landscape.