Nigeria’s push for greater indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry received a significant boost this week as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) showcased a series of milestones, including the takeover of major industrial assets and the expansion of local capacity across key energy hubs.

A major highlight was the acquisition of Saipem’s Nigerian operations by Marconi NG EPC — a development the NCDMB described as a landmark in the country’s local content journey.

According to the board, the transition of the world-class Port Harcourt fabrication yard into Nigerian ownership demonstrates that local firms now possess both the technical expertise and financial capacity to manage complex engineering and construction projects.

During a media tour of the facility, NCDMB officials spotlighted the one-million-square-metre yard, which features fabrication units, jetties and a helipad. They said the acquisition signals that Nigerian companies can now compete at global scale and marks an important step in reducing decades of foreign dominance in major oil and gas infrastructure.

The tour also highlighted growing indigenous capacity across the South-South region. Journalists visited PE Energy Limited, a Nigerian energy solutions provider serving the oil and gas, power and process industries, as well as Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited, a local firm converting used engine oil into base oil and other eco-friendly by-products.

Bunorr’s management credited NCDMB’s equity investment with helping the company attract partners, strengthen credibility and upgrade its operations.

While commending the board’s hands-on engagement and financing support, the companies urged the government to address persistent power challenges that raise production costs for local manufacturers.

NCDMB said the tour was part of its broader effort to showcase real-time progress in industrial development and deepen public understanding of local content achievements.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described the media tour as a maiden initiative designed to help journalists better understand industry operations and enhance stakeholder engagement.