The Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) 2023 is set to expand its focus to linkage sectors and the entire African continent, according to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wabote revealed that the fourth edition of NOGOF, scheduled to take place on May 18 and 19 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will explore emerging opportunities in the oil and gas industry, as well as other sectors across Africa.
NOGOF was introduced in 2016 to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and provide a platform for showcasing various opportunities available in the sector.
Wabote noted that Nigerian oil and gas service companies missed out on several opportunities before the introduction of NOGOF, as there was no platform to showcase forthcoming projects and allow companies to prepare themselves and acquire the necessary capacities.
However, previous editions of NOGOF have made a tremendous impact on the Nigerian oil and gas industry, with the ongoing Nigeria LNG Train 7 project being a visible benefit.
Wabote explained that the local content accomplishment on the Train 7 project is a major departure from the insignificant levels recorded while constructing Train 1-6, with 50 per cent of the entire US$5bn project scope currently being executed in-country through Nigerian vendors.
He affirmed that Nigeria could target 70 per cent of the entire project scope when the next train of the LNG would be executed.
Furthermore, Wabote emphasized the need to explore the opportunities in other African countries, as the oil and gas industry has the potential to catalyze industrialization and promote economic growth across sectors, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent.
He stated that NOGOF 2023 is aligned with the key objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010, which mandates the NCDMB to support the development of local capacities and capabilities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, foster institutional collaboration, maximize participation of Nigerians in oil and gas activities, link the oil and gas sector to other sectors of the economy, and maximize utilization of Nigerian resources, among other objectives.
The theme of this year’s NOGOF edition is “The Oil and Gas Industry – Catalyst and Fuel for the Industrialization of Nigeria,” which highlights the critical role of the oil and gas industry in fueling industrialization and overall development of Nigeria’s economy.
The event will provide an opportunity for investors, operators, government officials, and major players across various sectors to engage in quality discussions.
According to NOGOF project consultant, Mrs. Funmi Ogbue, with the incorporation of linkage sectors and the reach beyond Nigeria to other African countries, the stakes are even higher to ensure collaboration and success.
The Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Akintunde Adelana also recalled that the 2021 virtual edition of NOGOF recorded a huge success, with 700 delegates online, 600 persons actively participating in the sessions, 12 companies exhibiting virtually, and 1600 virtual visits.
Interested stakeholders can visit the dedicated NOGOF 2023 website at www.ncdmbnogof.org for information on how to get involved in any capacity.
